exotic
Americanadjective
-
of foreign origin or character; not native; introduced from abroad, but not fully naturalized or acclimatized.
exotic foods; exotic plants.
-
strikingly unusual or strange in effect or appearance.
an exotic hairstyle.
-
of a uniquely new or experimental nature.
exotic weapons.
-
of, relating to, or involving stripteasing.
the exotic clubs where strippers are featured.
noun
-
something that is exotic.
The flower show included several tropical exotics with showy blooms.
-
an exotic dancer; a striptease dancer or belly dancer.
adjective
-
originating in a foreign country, esp one in the tropics; not native
an exotic plant
-
having a strange or bizarre allure, beauty, or quality
-
(of trees, esp pine trees) native to the northern hemisphere but cultivated in New Zealand
an exotic forest
-
of or relating to striptease
noun
Other Word Forms
- exotically adverb
- exoticism noun
- exoticness noun
- nonexotic adjective
- nonexotically adverb
- unexotic adjective
- unexotically adverb
Etymology
Origin of exotic
First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin exōticus, from Greek exōtikós “foreign;” exo-, -tic
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.
Oli Barrington, a trustee at the exotic animal charity, said the dogs, who were found emaciated, were now in a "comfortable, safe and recovering from the ordeal".
From BBC
The last time the portrait was out on loan was in 2023 for a less exotic trip to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
From Barron's
“This isn’t an exotic or onerous fix,” Papan said Monday after the state Legislature returned to the Capitol to begin a new session.
From Los Angeles Times
It also created the ultimate first-world problem: tens of thousands of travelers stuck in exotic locations.
His favorite aspect of the challenge—besides the community—is the chance to sample exotic, higher-end cocktails, wines and beers that are best sipped and savored.
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.
