exclusively

American

[ik-skloo-siv-lee, -ziv-] / ɪkˈsklu sɪv li, -zɪv- /

adverb

solely; only; in a manner limited to what is designated.

Upper-level foreign language courses are taught exclusively in the foreign language to help students develop higher levels of competency.
in a way that leaves out or shuts out all others.

Here to talk with us exclusively in the studio this morning is the director whose film won four Oscars this year.
in a way that allows only wealthy or upper-class people to purchase or participate.

Though exclusively priced—it’s not cheap—the resort offers many activities and doesn’t disappoint.
in a way that omits a certain thing from consideration or calculation.

The number of days allowed for filing the report shall be reckoned exclusively of the day the event occurred.

Other Word Forms

preexclusively adverb
semi-exclusively adverb
ultraexclusively adverb
unexclusively adverb

Etymology

Origin of exclusively

exclusive ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

Something occuring exclusively is only happening or available in one special circumstance, like a song that’s exclusively for sale on one web page, but not anywhere else. Something exclusive is only available in one way, like a newspaper with an exclusive interview no one else was able to get. Things happening exclusively are also available in a select way—not for everyone. If a boxing match is shown exclusively on pay-per-view, it’s shown only on pay-per-view. If I work exclusively for one company, I don’t work for any other companies. If a singer sings exclusively at one club, that’s the only place to hear her.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing exclusively

Case Closed: Clud, Clus

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Hey, Kiddo

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But for history buffs and musical enthusiasts alike, a sonically richer version filled with sound effects of the musical airs exclusively on Audible today, April 16.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

They resolved to let the dugout handle the responsibility exclusively moving forward.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Now, one year later, Realtor.com can exclusively reveal that Cole is ready to bid farewell to the seven-bedroom, 6.5-bath property.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, for instance, no one country can control waterways it does not exclusively own.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

So serious has this situation become that Boston has established the first hospital in the United States devoted exclusively to the treatment of children with cancer.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023