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
The varying sculptures are used as flower pots for native and exotic species, per the fair. Sommer Brugal, Axios, 5 Dec. 2024 This theory received credence because Wuhan also has a market that sells exotic animals for human consumption. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024
Noun
Plants like trumpet honeysuckle, bee balm, and hummingbird sage provide much more nectar than hybrids and exotics. Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 20 Mar. 2024 Alex Hirschi leapfrogged auto-journalism conventions by building a vast social media audience of 120 million followers by showcasing some of the most innovative exotics in existence. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 18 Aug. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near exotic

Cite this Entry

“Exotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exotic. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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