1
: only taught to or understood by members of a special group
esoteric knowledge
: hard to understand
esoteric subjects/concepts
2
: limited to a small number of people
esoteric pursuits
esoteric religious sects
Cite this Entry
“Esoteric.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/esoteric. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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