extraterrestrial

1 of 2

adjective

ex·​tra·​ter·​res·​tri·​al ˌek-strə-tə-ˈre-strē-əl 

-ˈres-chəl, 

-ˈresh-chəl

: originating, existing, or occurring outside the earth or its atmosphere

extraterrestrial life

extraterrestrial

2 of 2

noun

: a being from another world : an extraterrestrial being

Examples of extraterrestrial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The answers to these questions could ultimately help shape a larger debate about humanity’s extraterrestrial future—and whether the impulse to make other worlds more like our own should be tempered by any obligation to leave them undisturbed. — Lee Billings, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2026

Antarctica as an extraterrestrial-type place Since the start of the 20th century, scientists have drawn parallels between Antarctic environments and those that can be found beyond our planet. — Daniella McCahey, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026

Noun

Co-existence with extraterrestrials has seen humans revert to old habits of prejudice and apartheid; crime and corruption are rampant as ever; pop-up ads now irksomely manifest as holograms in your personal space. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026

As the extraterrestrials prepare their arrival, down on the surface several strangers find their fates linked. — Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1848, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1950, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for extraterrestrial

• estriol
• terrestrial

Kids Definition

extraterrestrial

adjective

ex·​tra·​ter·​res·​tri·​al

ˌek-strə-tə-ˈres-trē-əl

: coming from or existing outside the earth or its atmosphere

extraterrestrial life

extraterrestrial noun