peculiarity

noun

pe·​cu·​liar·​i·​ty pi-ˌkyül-ˈyer-ə-tē How to pronounce peculiarity (audio)
-ˈya-rə-;
-ˌkyü-lē-ˈer-ə-
-ˈa-rə-
plural peculiarities
Synonyms of peculiaritynext
1
: the quality or state of being peculiar
2
: a distinguishing characteristic
3

Examples of peculiarity in a Sentence

the peculiarity of his appearance It is a peculiarity of the house that there is no front door. her peculiarities as a writer Scientists tried to explain some peculiarities in the results of the experiment.
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.
Mathematics can explain why This article is from Proof Positive, our friendly newsletter that explores the joys and peculiarities of math. Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 21 Apr. 2026 Once a year, the editors of New York set out to make the day-to-day task of living in this city easier for our readers — both those who have been here since birth and those who are still discovering (and adjusting to) its peculiarities and price tags. The Editors, Curbed, 16 Apr. 2026 Reinsdorf noted the peculiarities of the prior hiring process, which took place in March 2020 in the early throes of the COVID-19 pandemic with a limited ability to hold meetings and communicate remotely. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026 The Democrats’ apathy and fecklessness is perhaps second only to the peculiarities of Trump the man as one of the conditioning factors of the current political moment. Jude Russo, Washington Post, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for peculiarity

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of peculiarity was in 1606

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Cite this Entry

“Peculiarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peculiarity. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

peculiarity

noun
pe·​cu·​liar·​i·​ty pi-ˌkyül-ˈyar-ət-ē How to pronounce peculiarity (audio)
-ˌkyü-lē-ˈar-
plural peculiarities
1
: the quality or state of being peculiar
2
: something different or individual
3
: something odd or abnormal

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