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
Originally brought in through the exotic pet trade, the reptiles have since become widespread in South and Central Florida, where the subtropical climate supports their survival and reproduction. Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025 For those who don't know, Area 51 is a large, secretive military base in the remote Nevada desert where several exotic military aircraft have been developed and tested over the years, including the venerable U-2 spy plane way back when. Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
Noun
These are very tastefully laid off, with walks and carriage drives, and are covered with a profusion of rare exotics, beautiful flowers, and semi-tropical plants of every variety known to this climate. Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 4 July 2025 The question is, if our native plants evolved under the local conditions, how on earth do these exotics outcompete them? Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 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

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Cite this Entry

“Exotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exotic. Accessed 11 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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