esoterica

plural noun

es·​o·​ter·​i·​ca ˌe-sə-ˈter-i-kə How to pronounce esoterica (audio)
-ˈte-ri-
: esoteric items

Examples of esoterica in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The first two recuperation modes feel like training-wheel settings to help hybrid novices learn the segment's esoterica. Jonathon Ramsey, Car and Driver, 2 Dec. 2020 Sorting through all these rates is not merely an exercise in banking esoterica. The Economist, 2 Apr. 2020 Into the garages!—and started their own league, based on the esoterica of surfing. John Wilkens, sandiegouniontribune.com, 15 May 2018 How else to explain Alan Gershwin’s encyclopedic knowledge of Gershwin lore and esoterica and a Manhattan apartment made uninhabitable by heaps of Gershwin detritus? David Margolick, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2018 And that means hours-long hearings delving into the esoterica of various state laws. Dan Sweeney, Sun-Sentinel.com, 25 Oct. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'esoterica.' 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

New Latin, from Greek esōterika, neuter plural of esōterikos

First Known Use

circa 1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of esoterica was circa 1929

Dictionary Entries Near esoterica

Cite this Entry

“Esoterica.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/esoterica. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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