appearance

noun

ap·​pear·​ance ə-ˈpir-ən(t)s 

1

a

: external show : semblance

Although hostile, he preserved an appearance of neutrality.

b

: outward aspect : look

had a fierce appearance

c

appearances plural : outward indication

trying to keep up appearances

2

a

: a sense impression or aspect of a thing

The blue of distant hills is only an appearance.

b

: the world of sensible phenomena

3

a

: the act, action, or process of appearing

the first appearance of that word in English

b

law : the presentation of oneself in court as a party to an action often through the representation of an attorney

4

a

: something that appears : phenomenon

b

: an instance of appearing : occurrence

her first public appearance since winning the award

Synonyms

• aspect
• dress
• figure
• garb
• look
• mien
• outside
• presence
• regard [archaic]

Examples of appearance in a Sentence

The general appearance of the house is quite good.

The museum restored the painting to its original appearance.

lotions that improve your skin's appearance and texture

You shouldn't judge a man by his appearance.

Have you noticed any changes in her appearance?

He appears to be happy, but appearances can be deceptive.

Their expensive home created a false appearance of success and happiness.

Recent Examples on the Web

While bouncy, youthful skin is widely celebrated, there’s something special about complexions that have enjoyed an illustrious life — even if that means the appearance of fine lines, crepey texture, or pesky wrinkles. —Jennifer Chan, People.com, 21 May 2025

Jace Jung had just a .364 OPS in 52 plate appearances before he was sent down. —Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 21 May 2025

At the start of the weekly event, the Holy Father crisscrossed the cobblestone square in the iconic popemobile, a white Mercedes-Benz specially constructed so the pontiff can be visible for public appearances while still protected. —Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025

This Mission marks the first appearance of Angela Bassett's Erika Sloane, the deputy director of the CIA (who is upgraded to POTUS in Final Reckoning), as well as arms broker and con artist Alanna Mitsopolis, codename: The White Widow. —EW.com, 21 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

re-formation (after appear) of Middle English apparence, aparaunce, borrowed from Anglo-French apparaunce, apparence, borrowed from Late Latin appārentia, noun derivative of Latin appārent-, appārens, present participle of appārēre "to be visible, appear"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing appearance

• court appearance
• give every appearance of
• give one the appearance of
• guest appearance
• have the appearance
• in appearance
• make an appearance
• physical appearance
• put in an appearance
• take on the appearance of

Rhymes for appearance

• adherence
• coherence
• preclearance
• clearance
• disappearance
• incoherence
• interference
• perseverance
• reappearance
• noninterference

Kids Definition

appearance

noun

ap·​pear·​ance ə-ˈpir-ən(t)s 

1

: the way someone or something looks

the room has a cool appearance

gave every appearance of being healthy

keep up appearances

2

: the act, process, or an instance of appearing

3

: something that appears

Medical Definition

appearance

noun

ap·​pear·​ance ə-ˈpir-ən(t)s 

1

: the action or process of becoming evident to the senses

the sudden appearance of a rash on the body

2

: the outward or visible aspect of something

a tumor with a spongy appearance

appear

ə-ˈpi(ə)r 

intransitive verb

Legal Definition

appearance

noun

ap·​pear·​ance

1

: the presentation of oneself in court as a party to or as an attorney for a party to a lawsuit

also : a document filed in court by an attorney declaring his or her representation of a party to a lawsuit see also general appearance, special appearance

2

: outward look

a lawyer should avoid the appearance of impropriety