exclusively
Americanadverb
-
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
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.
Vocabulary lists containing exclusively
Case Closed: Clud, Clus
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Hey, Kiddo
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Prisoner B-3087
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
The Parole Board heard another appeal from Razzell in January 2026, and the BBC has exclusively obtained a summary of the its decision.
From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026
He also said all films will remain in theaters exclusively for 45 days, starting Thursday.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 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
MTerra Solar uses Chinese equipment, although not exclusively, Actis said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026
Aristotle rejected the notion that heredity was carried exclusively in male semen or sperm.
From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee
![]()
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.