exotic

1 of 2

adjective

ex·​ot·​ic ig-ˈzä-tik 

1

: introduced from another country : not native to the place where found

exotic plants

… exotic species creating havoc when introduced into new environments.

—Chemical & Engineering News

2

: strikingly, excitingly, or mysteriously different or unusual

exotic flavors

Until very recently the alpaca was an exotic sight at county fairs and petting zoos in the metropolitan region.

—Glenn Collins

3

: of or relating to striptease : involving or featuring exotic dancers

exotic dancing

an exotic nightclub

4

archaic : foreign, alien

exotically

ig-ˈzä-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

exoticness

ig-ˈzä-tik-nəs 

noun

exotic

2 of 2

noun

plural exotics

1

: one (such as a plant or animal) that is exotic

2

: exotic dancer

3

: exotic shorthair

Synonyms of exotic

Adjective

• romantic
• strange
• foreign
• marvelous

Noun

• rarity

Examples of exotic in a Sentence

Adjective

She's known for her exotic tastes.

the gradual disappearance of exotic lands in a culturally homogenized world

Noun

Some native species are being crowded out by exotics.

the botanical garden boasts an array of horticultural exotics from around the world

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Paula makes sure that their hall table is set with the preposterous gifts — exotic fruits, rare cuts of meat — that Agnes has received from potential suitors. —Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2026

Wild pigs, as TPWD notes, are one of the top 100 worst exotic invasive species in the world. —Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026

Noun

The list includes coveted exotics, like the Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM, along with some unexpected names, like the Toyota Rav4 EV short-wheelbase prototype. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 3 Mar. 2026

These results further reinforced the depth of demand across both European exotics and culturally significant collector cars. —Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin exoticus, from Greek exōtikos, from exō

First Known Use

Adjective

1621, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing exotic

• exotic dancer
• exotic shorthair

Rhymes for exotic

• aprotic
• aquatic
• biotic
• chaotic
• cirrhotic
• despotic
• dichotic
• erotic
• euphotic
• fibrotic
• hieratic
• hypnotic

Kids Definition

exotic

1 of 2 adjective

ex·​ot·​ic ig-ˈzät-ik 

1

: introduced from another country

exotic plants

2

: very different or unusual

exotic colors

exotically

-ˈzät-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

exoticness

-ik-nəs 

noun

exotic

2 of 2 noun

: something (as a plant) that is exotic