Definition of EXCLUSIVE (original) (raw)
1
b
: limiting or limited to possession, control, or use by a single individual or group
2
a
: excluding others from participation
3
a
: accepting or soliciting only a socially restricted patronage (as of the upper class)
c
: restricted in distribution, use, or appeal because of expense
: something exclusive: such as
a
: a news story at first released to or reported by only one source
b
: an exclusive right (as to sell a particular product in a certain area)
Did you know?
In words such as expel, export, and exclusive, the prefix ex- means "out of, outside". Thus, to exclude means basically to close the door in order to keep someone or something out. When the word appears in an advertisement, it's often making an appeal to snobs. An "exclusive" offer is supposedly made to only a few people; not so many years ago, "exclusive" housing developments excluded those of a certain race or color. If a product is being sold exclusively by one store, you won't be able to find it anywhere else. When a newspaper or news show has an exclusive, it's a story that no one else has yet reported. Exclusive's antonym is inclusive; an inclusive policy, an inclusive church, or an inclusive approach is one that aims to include as many people as possible.
Synonyms
Examples of exclusive in a Sentence
Adjective
He belongs to an exclusive club. She attended an exclusive private school. one of the city's most exclusive restaurants They gave their exclusive attention to the job.
Recent Examples on the Web
Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more. —
EW.com, 22 June 2024 The first 15,000 fans will also score an exclusive Mets Pride hat. —Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 22 June 2024
Check out the trailer, an IndieWire exclusive, below. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 13 June 2024 Both groups also receive points, exclusives, and special member pricing. —Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 12 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for exclusive 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'exclusive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
Adjective
1515, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of exclusive was in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near exclusive
Cite this Entry
“Exclusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exclusive. Accessed 3 Jul. 2024.
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Last Updated: 25 Jun 2024 - Updated example sentences
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