reclusive

adjective re·clu·sive \ ri-ˈklü-siv , -ziv \

Updated on: 9 May 2018

Definition of reclusive

1 : seeking solitude : retiring from society

a reclusive neighbor

While Stephen King is far from reclusive, he doesn't spend much time promoting his horror-filled novels.
—Sarah Lyall

2 : marked by seclusion or retirement : solitary

… sit under the reclusive calm of the acacia tree.
—H. E. Bates

—

reclusively

adverb

—

reclusiveness

noun

Recent Examples of reclusive from the Web

Don’t Leave Home’ An American artist flies to Ireland to meet the subject of her latest show — a reclusive priest who, according to urban legend, was responsible for the disappearance of an 8-year-old girl.

— chris kaltenbach, baltimoresun.com, "Maryland Film Festival's 12 must-see movies," 2 May 2018
The reclusive woman hired some workers to chop down every tree branch that was remotely close to her balcony.

— rachel aviv, The New Yorker, "Cairo: A Type of Love Story," 30 Apr. 2018
In fact, List reached the same conclusion about a reclusive, older resident taking the dog in and not being aware it might be chipped.

— john tuohy, Indianapolis Star, "Doggy psychics called after Noblesville poodle rescued from puppy mill goes missing," 2 Apr. 2018
Negotiations included a secret trip to North Korea by CIA director — and secretary of State nominee — Mike Pompeo to meet with the reclusive Kim.

— david jackson, USA TODAY, "Trump: We are still 'a long way' from North Korea meeting with Kim Jong Un," 22 Apr. 2018
As the presidents of South Korea and the United States prepare for summits with the previously reclusive Kim Jong Un, there has been lots of conjecture about what exactly the North Korean leader is prepared to discuss.

— anna fifield, Anchorage Daily News, "North Korean leader suspends nuclear and missile tests, shuts down test site," 20 Apr. 2018
Some visitors spent the night at Plas Newydd, though this was not favored by the reclusive Ladies, who valued their quiet nights à deux, tucked up by the fire (made up by Mary Carryll), reading aloud to each other from French novels.

— Longreads, "The Ladies Who Were Famous for Wanting to Be Left Alone," 17 Apr. 2018
Last month, following a visit by South Korea's national security adviser to the White House, Trump decided to accept an invitation by the reclusive North Korean leader to meet face-to-face to discuss denuclearization.

— NBC News, "President Trump confirms direct U.S.-North Korea talks," 17 Apr. 2018
Ibex are reclusive and notoriously difficult to find; their eyesight is around seven-power compared to humans.

— aaron gulley, Outside Online, "Believe It or Not, You Can Safari in New Mexico," 16 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reclusive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of reclusive

1600

in the meaning defined at sense 2

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