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

While recent observations sparked excitement over possible biosignature gases, subsequent analyses have emphasized that no evidence of extraterrestrial life has been confirmed. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026

Exobiologists hoped to investigate these theories by looking for the prerequisite molecules for life, and perhaps even extraterrestrial microbes. — Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 30 July 2026

Noun

The attempt by humans to communicate with marine animals may evoke, for some, a classic Steven Spielberg film about first contact with extraterrestrials. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 1 Aug. 2026

The argumentative duo are summoned to investigate a murder in rural Nebraska that has mysterious connections to dangerous extraterrestrials. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 16 July 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