exclusive

1 of 2

adjective

ex·​clu·​sive ik-ˈsklü-siv How to pronounce exclusive (audio)
-ziv
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)
c
: restricted in distribution, use, or appeal because of expense
4
a
: single, sole
exclusive jurisdiction
b
: whole, undivided
his exclusive attention
exclusiveness noun

exclusive

2 of 2

noun

: something exclusive: such 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)

Did you know?

In words such as expel, export, and exclusive, the prefix ex- means "out of, outside". Thus, to exclude means basically to close the door in order to keep someone or something out. When the word appears in an advertisement, it's often making an appeal to snobs. An "exclusive" offer is supposedly made to only a few people; not so many years ago, "exclusive" housing developments excluded those of a certain race or color. If a product is being sold exclusively by one store, you won't be able to find it anywhere else. When a newspaper or news show has an exclusive, it's a story that no one else has yet reported. Exclusive's antonym is inclusive; an inclusive policy, an inclusive church, or an inclusive approach is one that aims to include as many people as possible.

Examples of exclusive in a Sentence

Adjective He belongs to an exclusive club. She attended an exclusive private school. one of the city's most exclusive restaurants They gave their exclusive attention to the job.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
With the two-night finale of the NBC hit series approaching, PEOPLE has an exclusive look at the photo shoot featuring all 11 finalists. Kelly Martinez, Peoplemag, 26 Sep. 2023 Subscribe to our channel for updates and exclusive video. Robyn Dixon, Washington Post, 26 Sep. 2023 Working together, over 50 lots were compiled that ranged from blue-chip art to exclusive collaborations. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2023 In addition to a credit for a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership fee, Venture X cardholders enjoy benefits like a Priority Pass lounge membership, complimentary President’s Circle status with Hertz and exclusive dining reservations through Capital One Dining. Emily Sherman, wsj.com, 26 Sep. 2023 In an exclusive interview, Britton Wilson sat down with legendary Olympian Allyson Felix, cofounder of Saysh, a lifestyle and shoe brand that champions women. Allyson Felix, Glamour, 26 Sep. 2023 The two have come together to create an exclusive three-part video series detailing the experiences that pushed her from running for medals to running toward change. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2023 Related: 15 Hilton All-inclusive Resorts Perfect for Your Next Getaway 04 Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets, Mexico Arrive in style on an exclusive catamaran with a 25-minute journey from Cancun to lush Isla Mujeres, home to white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and Mayan ruins. Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 11 Sep. 2023 At the ‘dumb’ and ‘wholesome’ Ryan Rave, everyone belongs — and everyone’s Ryan In an area full of warehouses, down graffiti-rich alleys and past a filthy mattress, a line formed for one of downtown L.A.’s most exclusive events. Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2023
Noun
Gerry Turner’s run on the inaugural season of ABC’s The Golden Bachelor gets off to a memorable start with his first limo entrance, as seen in a preview video exclusive to The Hollywood Reporter. Ryan Gajewski, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Sep. 2023 Of note, Picross e9, a Japanese exclusive, will be included in the Picross S+ bundle, marking its first appearance in the West. Ash Parrish, The Verge, 12 Sep. 2023 Compliment your meal with Perl, a wine by Booker Vineyards, a Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse exclusive. The Courier-Journal, 19 Aug. 2023 Joining us live, former Texas congressman Will Hurd, a Sunday exclusive. ABC News, 25 June 2023 Games that aren't national broadcast exclusives will be shown on Arizona Family (Ch. 3) and streamed on Kiswe as part of the new partnership with Gray Television. Duane Rankin, The Arizona Republic, 17 Aug. 2023 The couple decided to share photos of their son after a recent exclusive with PEOPLE, detailing Da Brat’s experience giving birth to her son on July 6th. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 10 Aug. 2023 After this weekend kicked off some unprecedented deals across PlayStation 5 consoles, DualSense controllers, and even some colorful console covers, Sony and other retailers are also discounting some of the PS5’s biggest titles and exclusives. Antonio G. Di Benedetto, The Verge, 7 Aug. 2023 Monique has reported on all major royal news stories since the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011 and has contributed numerous royal exclusives. Monique Jessen, Peoplemag, 4 Aug. 2023 See More

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

Adjective

1515, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of exclusive was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near exclusive

Cite this Entry

“Exclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exclusive. Accessed 3 Oct. 2023.

Kids Definition

exclusive

adjective
ex·​clu·​sive
iks-ˈklü-siv,
-ziv
1
: excluding or trying to exclude others
an exclusive neighborhood
2
: sole entry 4 sense 2a
we have exclusive use of the beach
3
: full entry 1 sense 2c, complete
gave their exclusive attention to the job
exclusively adverb
exclusiveness noun

Legal Definition

exclusive

adjective
ex·​clu·​sive
1
a
: excluding or having power to exclude others
exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveriesU.S. Constitution art. I
b
: being independent from or not shared by others : sole
exclusive control
exclusive use
2
: limiting or limited to possession, ownership, or use by a single individual or group
an exclusive lease

More from Merriam-Webster on exclusive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!