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 of appearance

• look
• presence
• demeanor
• attitude
• manner

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

Maton made a rehab appearance at Triple A on Friday night, tossing a scoreless inning while allowing two hits, no walks and striking out two on 25 pitches. —Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026

Rodman doubled the lead early in the second half, marking her 100th appearance for the Spirit with her first goal of the season. —Asli Pelit, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026

With a low, wide stance and a streamlined silhouette, the wagon carries a sporty yet refined appearance. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 24 Apr. 2026

MacInnes made a teary appearance on the stand yesterday, where Wilson’s barrister quizzed her intensely about her claims of a bad relationship with the Bridesmaids and Pitch Perfect actress. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2026

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