peculiar
strange; queer; odd: peculiar happenings.
uncommon; unusual: the peculiar hobby of stuffing and mounting bats.
distinctive in nature or character from others.
belonging characteristically (usually followed by to): an expression peculiar to Canadians.
belonging exclusively to some person, group, or thing: the peculiar properties of a drug.
Astronomy. designating a star or galaxy with special properties that deviates from others of its spectral type or galaxy class.
a property or privilege belonging exclusively or characteristically to a person.
British. a particular parish or church that is exempted from the jurisdiction of the ordinary or bishop in whose diocese it lies and is governed by another.
peculiars. Also called arbitraries. British Printing. special characters not generally included in standard type fonts, as phonetic symbols, mathematical symbols, etc.
Origin of peculiar
1synonym study For peculiar
Other words for peculiar
Opposites for peculiar
Other words from peculiar
- pe·cu·liar·ly, adverb
- un·pe·cu·liar, adjective
- un·pe·cu·liar·ly, adverb
Words Nearby peculiar
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use peculiar in a sentence
Last week, I had found four cubic blocks in a peculiar arrangement.
I recently found four cubic blocks in a peculiar arrangement.
A look at typical horror fans may provide some clues about the nature of this peculiar phenomenon.
Why Horror Films Are More Popular Than Ever - Issue 95: Escape | Coltan Scrivner | January 14, 2021 | NautilusOutbreaks of the condition have peaked in a peculiar every-other-year cycle for six years, with 120 cases across the United States in 2014, 153 in 2016, and 240 in 2018.
Coronavirus shutdowns have quashed nearly all other common viruses. But scientists say a rebound is coming. | Dan Hurley | January 12, 2021 | Washington PostAll of these measures were important, considering Nigeria’s peculiar population and social dynamics.
The Potential Oscar Film That’s Too Hot for the Nigerian Government | Daniel Malloy | December 16, 2020 | Ozy
Life is a series of seemingly throwaway moments strung together in a peculiar tapestry, and Linklater has captured it beautifully.
Oscars 2015: The Daily Beast’s Picks, From Scarlett Johansson to ‘Boyhood’ | Marlow Stern | January 6, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTThe healthier appearance and civilian clothing are very peculiar.
Because the shop was emblematic of that peculiar Italian institution known as La Faccia: i.e. presenting the best face possible.
The Bookstore That Bewitched Mick Jagger, John Lennon, and Greta Garbo | Felice Picano | December 16, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTIn the semifinals, she was in a peculiar position for someone of Jeopardy!
Jeopardy! Champion Julia Collins’s Brain Feels Like Mush | Sujay Kumar | November 20, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTRight off the bat, the “Doing Our Bit for the Cure” campaign seemed peculiar.
The Misogynistic Companies Jumping On The Breast Cancer Bandwagon | Emily Shire | October 16, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTIt is most peculiar, and when he plays that way, the most bewitching little expression comes over his face.
Music-Study in Germany | Amy FayThe order of meals at Lane End was somewhat peculiar even then, and would now be almost unique.
Hilda Lessways | Arnold BennettSome peculiar lines between these contracted brows gave a character of ferocity to this forbidding and sensual face.
Checkmate | Joseph Sheridan Le FanuWharton uttered this with a peculiar force of voice, and aweful expression in his countenance.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4 | Jane PorterI cannot call that peculiarly manly, which are the peculiar pursuits of the lowest of our species.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4 | Jane Porter
British Dictionary definitions for peculiar
/ (pɪˈkjuːlɪə) /
strange or unusual; odd: a peculiar individual; a peculiar idea
distinct from others; special
(postpositive foll by to) belonging characteristically or exclusively (to): peculiar to North America
Also called: arbitrary printing a special sort, esp an accented letter
Church of England a church or parish that is exempt from the jurisdiction of the ordinary in whose diocese it lies
Origin of peculiar
1Derived forms of peculiar
- peculiarly, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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