exotic

[ig-zot-ik]

adjective

1. of foreign origin or character; not native; introduced from abroad, but not fully naturalized or acclimatized.

   exotic foods; exotic plants.

2. strikingly unusual or strange in effect or appearance.

   an exotic hairstyle.

3. of a uniquely new or experimental nature.

   exotic weapons.

4. of, relating to, or involving stripteasing.

   the exotic clubs where strippers are featured.

noun

1. something that is exotic.

   The flower show included several tropical exotics with showy blooms.

2. an exotic dancer; a striptease dancer or belly dancer.

exotic

/ ɪɡˈzɒtɪk /

adjective

1. originating in a foreign country, esp one in the tropics; not native

   an exotic plant

2. having a strange or bizarre allure, beauty, or quality

3. (of trees, esp pine trees) native to the northern hemisphere but cultivated in New Zealand

   an exotic forest

4. of or relating to striptease

noun

1. an exotic person or thing

Other Word Forms

• exotically adverb
• exoticness noun
• nonexotic adjective
• nonexotically adverb
• unexotic adjective
• unexotically adverb
• exoticism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of exotic¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin exōticus, from Greek exōtikós “foreign;” exo-, -tic

Word History and Origins

Origin of exotic¹

C16: from Latin exōticus, from Greek exōtikos foreign, from exō outside

Example Sentences

Rabbits are considered an 'exotic pet', which means vet bills can be higher than other animals.

From BBC

He’d been able to save some money from working construction jobs and parlayed that into a chance to build a retail business, lugging suitcases of exotic couture from Europe back to Los Angeles by himself.

From Los Angeles Times

In a blistering review, critic Sowmya Rajendran slammed the film as "generic, exhausting and offensive," saying it hides tired cliches behind an "exotic" Kerala setting and a score that overplays the land's "foreignness."

From BBC

"But if you're tired of Asia, Turkey, etc., and want something exotic — this is it," she added.

From BBC

Edison has flatly disputed the lawyers’ assertions, calling their claims about the 2019 fire an “exotic ignition theory” based on “an unproven narrative.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• alien 
• alluring 
• bizarre 
• colorful 
• curious 
• different 
• fascinating 
• glamorous 
• peculiar 
• romantic 
• strange 
• unfamiliar 
• unusual 
• weird