exclusive

¹ex·clu·sive

adjective \iks-ˈklü-siv, -ziv\

Definition of EXCLUSIVE

1

a : excluding or having power to exclude

b : limiting or limited to possession, control, or use by a single individual or group

2

a : excluding others from participation

b : snobbishly aloof

3

a : accepting or soliciting only a socially restricted patronage (as of the upper class)

b : stylish, fashionable

c : restricted in distribution, use, or appeal because of expense

4

a : single, sole <exclusive jurisdiction>

b : whole, undivided <his exclusive attention>

— ex·clu·sive·ly adverb

— ex·clu·sive·ness noun

Examples of EXCLUSIVE

1. He belongs to an exclusive club.
2. She attended an exclusive private school.
3. one of the city's most exclusive restaurants
4. They gave their exclusive attention to the job.

First Known Use of EXCLUSIVE

1515

Related to EXCLUSIVE

Synonyms

sole, single, unshared

Antonyms

nonexclusive

Related Words

proprietary; personal, private

Near Antonyms

common, communal, conjoint, cooperative, joint, multiple, mutual, pooled, public, shared, united

Rhymes with EXCLUSIVE

allusive, collusive, conclusive, conducive, delusive, diffusive, effusive, elusive, extrusive, illusive, inclusive, intrusive, obtrusive, preclusive, prelusive, protrusive, reclusive, suffusive

²exclusive

noun

Definition of EXCLUSIVE

: something exclusive: as

a : a news story at first released to or reported by only one source

b : an exclusive right (as to sell a particular product in a certain area)

First Known Use of EXCLUSIVE

15th century