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

Mexican authorities regularly rescue exotic animals from properties owned by wealthy drug traffickers. — CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

The entrance of the famed Inn at Spanish Bay, in Northern California’s Pebble Beach, had been festooned with some of the world’s most exotic automobiles—swooned over by camera-toting adorers—just a few days prior during Monterey Car Week. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 27 Aug. 2026

Noun

There was clearly a market for exotics on a budget and sans passport. — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 26 Aug. 2026

Unlike most six‑figure exotics that depreciate as predictably as the setting sun, the 911 has behaved like a blue‑chip asset, giving owners confidence that their purchase rested on unusually solid financial ground. — Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 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
• demotic
• despotic
• dichotic
• erotic
• euphotic
• fibrotic
• hieratic

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