peculiar

[ pi-kyool-yer ]

adjective

1. strange; queer; odd:

   peculiar happenings.

   Synonyms: bizarre, eccentric

2. uncommon; unusual:

   the peculiar hobby of stuffing and mounting bats.

   Synonyms: exceptional, singular, extraordinary

   Antonyms: common

3. distinctive in nature or character from others.
4. belonging characteristically (usually followed by to ):

   an expression peculiar to Canadians.

5. belonging exclusively to some person, group, or thing:

   the peculiar properties of a drug.

   Synonyms: unique, special, particular, personal, individual

   Antonyms: common

6. Astronomy. designating a star or galaxy with special properties that deviates from others of its spectral type or galaxy class.

noun

1. a property or privilege belonging exclusively or characteristically to a person.
2. 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.
3. peculiars. Also called arbitraries. British Printing. special characters not generally included in standard type fonts, as phonetic symbols, mathematical symbols, etc.

peculiar

/ pɪˈkjuːlɪə /

adjective

1. strange or unusual; odd

   a peculiar individual

   a peculiar idea

2. distinct from others; special
3. postpositivefoll byto belonging characteristically or exclusively (to)

   peculiar to North America

noun

1. Also calledarbitrary printing a special sort, esp an accented letter
2. Church of England a church or parish that is exempt from the jurisdiction of the ordinary in whose diocese it lies

Derived Forms

• peˈculiarly, adverb

Other Words From

• pe·culiar·ly adverb
• unpe·culiar adjective
• unpe·culiar·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of peculiar¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; from Latin pecūliāris “as one's own,” equivalent to pecūli(um) “property” (derivative of pecū “flock, farm animals”; akin to pecus “cattle” ( fee )) + -āris -ar ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of peculiar¹

C15: from Latin pecūliāris concerning private property, from pecūlium, literally: property in cattle, from pecus cattle

Synonym Study

See strange.

Example Sentences

Nate Smith would be the first to tell you that he makes for a peculiar nominee for new artist of the year at Wednesday night’s Country Music Assn.

From Los Angeles Times

In a five star review, the Guardian called the show "peculiar" but "hugely rewarding".

From BBC

It might be a bit confusing when taking a closer look at this peculiar detail, as Harris made expanding access to abortion a key part of her platform.

From Salon

The peculiar tradition began after intervention by railway officials at Edinburgh Waverley Station, below the clock tower.

From BBC

In their peculiar form of invincibility, the Dodgers go through more pitchers than McSorley’s Old Ale House on a Saturday night.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• curious
• eccentric
• extraordinary
• funny
• idiosyncratic
• offbeat
• outlandish
• quaint
• singular
• strange
• unconventional
• unusual
• wacky
• weird
• wonderful