appearance

noun

ap·​pear·​ance ə-ˈpir-ən(t)s How to pronounce appearance (audio)
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

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 Featuring little pops of yellow, pink, red, and purple daisies and forsythias throughout, the rest of this lively wreath is brimming with springy green eucalyptus that’s slightly ombre to create the appearance of more layers. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2024 In 2024, the Independence hopes to capitalize on a good season a year ago, when the team was one win away from the USL League One championship — their first final appearance in club history. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2024 Chris Evans made a recent appearance at Emerald City Con 2024 (via Total Film) and threw his support behind comic book movies, a genre he’ll be forever associated with after playing Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe for nearly 10 years. Zack Sharf, Variety, 4 Mar. 2024 After voting on Saturday morning, Porter had no other public appearances but reemerged Sunday afternoon for an event in San Francisco. Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2024 During a recent appearance at the 7th Annual African American Film Critics Association Special Achievement Awards luncheon, Foxx detailed plans to answer whatever any lingering questions about the scare. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 4 Mar. 2024 Anya Taylor-Joy, who made a surprise appearance at the Part Two premiere in London on Feb. 15, is introduced in another vision — as Alia Atreides, Paul's psychically gifted unborn sister. Jack Smart, Peoplemag, 3 Mar. 2024 Hammond serves as host for the series and will make sporadic appearances as a performer, with shows currently scheduled through April 21. Aaron Davis, Sacramento Bee, 3 Mar. 2024 While Reigns will face Cody Rhodes at the event, Johnson has continued to make appearances at WWE Friday Night SmackDown events. Shelby Slade, The Arizona Republic, 2 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'appearance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of appearance was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near appearance

Cite this Entry

“Appearance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appearance. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

appearance

noun
ap·​pear·​ance ə-ˈpir-ən(t)s How to pronounce appearance (audio)
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 How to pronounce appearance (audio)
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 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

More from Merriam-Webster on appearance

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