exoticism

noun

ex·​ot·​i·​cism ig-ˈzä-tə-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce exoticism (audio)
variants or less commonly exotism
: the quality or state of being exotic

Examples of exoticism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Marley won a following outside Jamaica, specifically among white sophomores who were drawn to his exoticism. Armond White, National Review, 16 Feb. 2024 There’s an exoticism that’s happening on both sides. Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 4 Feb. 2024 Still painted in Rosso Corsa red and still the most recognizable motorcycle brand in the world, Ducati can now offer all the exoticism without requiring the sacrifices that fans used to willingly make to ride their favorite bikes on the planet. Michael Teo Van Runkle, Ars Technica, 11 Dec. 2023 The music’s flavor is Spanish because an Andalusian setting suited Bizet’s need for both clarity and projection; exoticism throws the violence into relief. Vulture, 4 Jan. 2024 For Irene, Clare’s longing for Black companionship smacks of a kind of twisted exoticism fetish, something Irene muses about with her famous novelist friend, Hugh (a typically strong Bill Camp), in scenes that sparkle with cheeky, conspiratorial wit. Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2021 From the fairy tale garden of the Ritz in Paris, Hotel de Paris in Monaco to the Grand Hotel du Cap in St Jean Cap Ferrat and the Alpina Hotel in Gstaadt, Jean Mus integrates exoticism and emotions, which brings a real spirit to the different places. Cécilia Pelloux, Forbes, 15 Apr. 2021 At the same time, a certain exoticism was always a crucial ingredient of Pauline’s renown. Ian Bostridge, The New York Review of Books, 14 May 2020 Loosely plotted around one of Disneyland’s hoariest theme-park rides (which, even after recent updates, still teems with faux savagery and denatured exoticism), however, the film is being positioned to follow in the global blockbuster-juggernaut footsteps of Pirates of the Caribbean. Chris Lee, Vulture, 30 July 2021

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

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of exoticism was in 1827

Dictionary Entries Near exoticism

Cite this Entry

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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