exotic

1 of 2

adjective

ex·​ot·​ic ig-ˈzä-tik How to pronounce exotic (audio)
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 adverb
exoticness noun

exotic

2 of 2

noun

plural exotics
1
: one (such as a plant or animal) that is exotic
2
3

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
It’s become soldered to my identity, serving as both the ultimate in-group badge and a versatile stylistic accessory: eye-catching, a bit exotic, an opportunity to add color and flair. Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 21 June 2025 Together, Kingston and Turner are accused of defrauding a jewelry business, a luxury bed company, a used luxury and exotic car dealership, and a luxury microLED TV company, arrest warrants said. Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2025
Noun
Longshots like Just Steel and Deposition may lack big wins, but Aaron advises not to overlook them in exotics. Jared Welch, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 Local and regional car clubs showcase more than 300 rare vehicles, from early collectibles to the latest exotics. Laura Daily, Denver Post, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for exotic

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of exotic was in 1621

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exotic. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

exotic

1 of 2 adjective
ex·​ot·​ic ig-ˈzät-ik How to pronounce exotic (audio)
1
: introduced from another country
exotic plants
2
: very different or unusual
exotic colors
exotically adverb
exoticness noun

exotic

2 of 2 noun
: something (as a plant) that is exotic

More from Merriam-Webster on exotic

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