appearance
noun
ap·pear·ance
ə-ˈpir-ən(t)s 
1
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
Tucker missed that party last week, leaving Pittsburgh on the same day the Cubs secured their first postseason appearance since 2020.
—
Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
His last 123 appearances have been out of the bullpen, so a transition back to a starting pitcher may be tough.
—Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
While Vance’s critique of the Ford Foundation’s tax-exempt status was limited to its support of The Nation during his podcast appearance, other administration officials have provided clues as to how the government will conduct its scrutiny of liberal philanthropies.
—Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 24 Sep. 2025
Innovative Artists Entertainment has signed Mark Kerr, the former wrestler and mixed martial artist played by Dwayne Johnson in A24’s upcoming film The Smashing Machine, for representation in endorsements, licensing, speaking engagements, appearances, merchandising, and acting.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for appearance
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
His last 123 appearances have been out of the bullpen, so a transition back to a starting pitcher may be tough.
—Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
While Vance’s critique of the Ford Foundation’s tax-exempt status was limited to its support of The Nation during his podcast appearance, other administration officials have provided clues as to how the government will conduct its scrutiny of liberal philanthropies.
—Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 24 Sep. 2025
Innovative Artists Entertainment has signed Mark Kerr, the former wrestler and mixed martial artist played by Dwayne Johnson in A24’s upcoming film The Smashing Machine, for representation in endorsements, licensing, speaking engagements, appearances, merchandising, and acting.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for appearance
Cite this Entry
“Appearance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appearance. Accessed 25 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
appearance
noun
ap·pear·ance
ə-ˈpir-ən(t)s
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
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
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