exclusively

American

[ik-skloo-siv-lee, -ziv-] / ɪkˈsklu sɪv li, -zɪv- /

adverb

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

exclusive ( def. ) + -ly

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.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing exclusively

Case Closed: Clud, Clus

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Hey, Kiddo

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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.

But for history buffs and musical enthusiasts alike, a sonically richer version filled with sound effects of the musical airs exclusively on Audible today, April 16.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

The ride-hailing company will also purchase at least 35,000 additional vehicles from Lucid, designed exclusively for use as part of Uber’s future global robotaxi service.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Changing policies has not been an exclusively positive experience, and one Anglesey head teacher said enforcing a stricter policy "requires a level of time and emotional energy that's exhausting for staff".

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Now, it appears as though the Hollywood A-lister is going to take a break from the selling space altogether, taking the home off the market completely, Realtor.com can exclusively reveal.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

Most standard music dictionaries and encyclopedias also focus almost exclusively on Western Classical music.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023