appearance

noun

ap·​pear·​ance ə-ˈpir-ən(t)s 

1

a

: external show : semblance

Although hostile, he preserved an appearance of neutrality.

b

: outward aspect : look

had a fierce appearance

c

appearances plural : outward indication

trying to keep up appearances

2

a

: a sense impression or aspect of a thing

The blue of distant hills is only an appearance.

b

: the world of sensible phenomena

3

a

: the act, action, or process of appearing

the first appearance of that word in English

b

law : the presentation of oneself in court as a party to an action often through the representation of an attorney

4

a

: something that appears : phenomenon

b

: an instance of appearing : occurrence

her first public appearance since winning the award

Synonyms of appearance

• look
• presence
• demeanor
• attitude
• manner

Examples of appearance in a Sentence

The general appearance of the house is quite good.

The museum restored the painting to its original appearance.

lotions that improve your skin's appearance and texture

You shouldn't judge a man by his appearance.

Have you noticed any changes in her appearance?

He appears to be happy, but appearances can be deceptive.

Their expensive home created a false appearance of success and happiness.

Recent Examples on the Web

Invest in durable, high-quality fabrics that hold their structure and appearance from the first day to the last. —Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 18 Apr. 2026

McDermott made one start for the Orioles in 2024 and four appearances in 2025. —Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 18 Apr. 2026

That doesn’t include top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins, who was placed on the minor-league seven-day IL earlier in the week with right elbow inflammation after two appearances with Triple-A Iowa. —Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026

Caicedo made his first career start (and third appearance) and curled a low shot from the left side of the area that bounced off the far post in the 23rd minute and Müller headed home a cross played into the area by Sabbi in the 28th. —ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

re-formation (after appear) of Middle English apparence, aparaunce, borrowed from Anglo-French apparaunce, apparence, borrowed from Late Latin appārentia, noun derivative of Latin appārent-, appārens, present participle of appārēre "to be visible, appear"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing appearance

• court appearance
• give every appearance of
• give one the appearance of
• guest appearance
• have the appearance
• in appearance
• make an appearance
• physical appearance
• put in an appearance
• take on the appearance of

Rhymes for appearance

• adherence
• coherence
• preclearance
• clearance
• disappearance
• incoherence
• interference
• perseverance
• reappearance
• noninterference

Kids Definition

appearance

noun

ap·​pear·​ance ə-ˈpir-ən(t)s 

1

: the way someone or something looks

the room has a cool appearance

gave every appearance of being healthy

keep up appearances

2

: the act, process, or an instance of appearing

3

: something that appears

Medical Definition

appearance

noun

ap·​pear·​ance ə-ˈpir-ən(t)s 

1

: the action or process of becoming evident to the senses

the sudden appearance of a rash on the body

2

: the outward or visible aspect of something

a tumor with a spongy appearance

appear

ə-ˈpi(ə)r 

intransitive verb

Legal Definition

appearance

noun

ap·​pear·​ance

1

: the presentation of oneself in court as a party to or as an attorney for a party to a lawsuit

also : a document filed in court by an attorney declaring his or her representation of a party to a lawsuit see also general appearance, special appearance

2

: outward look

a lawyer should avoid the appearance of impropriety