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

Derived Forms

• exˈoticness, noun
• exˈotically, adverb
• exˈotiˌcism, noun

Other Words From

• ex·oti·cal·ly adverb
• ex·otic·ness noun
• nonex·otic adjective
• nonex·oti·cal·ly adverb
• unex·otic adjective
• unex·oti·cal·ly adverb

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

The resulting lush and exotic soundscape, featuring plaintive pan flute and sprinkled with birdsong, turned out to be perfect for the game’s spooktastic forest levels.

From New York Times

Dad’s too preoccupied to fully react, however: Bug is busy trying to pay for the wedding with an exotic toad from Colorado.

From Los Angeles Times

She said being called things like "exotic" in school was new to her and she had to adjust to being around mostly white people.

From BBC

Then he bought the cub for $25,000, sparking an investigation into the exotic pet trade.

From Los Angeles Times

He couldn’t estimate what it would cost to produce in bulk, but he said it doesn’t require any expensive or exotic materials.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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