extraterrestrial

1 of 2

adjective

ex·​tra·​ter·​res·​tri·​al ˌek-strə-tə-ˈre-strē-əl How to pronounce extraterrestrial (audio)
-ˈres-chəl, 
-ˈresh-chəl
: originating, existing, or occurring outside the earth or its atmosphere
extraterrestrial life

extraterrestrial

2 of 2

noun

: a being from another world : an extraterrestrial being

Examples of extraterrestrial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Anthony Richardson possessed almost extraterrestrial talent but maddening inconsistency. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026 While its more premium builds can set you back thousands of dollars, the company does throw a high-quality bone to the gamers on a budget who still want to rock the extraterrestrial logo. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
Evil Alien Conquerors stars Michael Weston as a man who witnesses the titular extraterrestrials (Parnell and Bader) literally fall to Earth from space. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Aug. 2026 There’s been a lot of dialogue about the possibility that extraterrestrials have visited the earth or at least our atmosphere. — Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for extraterrestrial

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1848, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of extraterrestrial was in 1848

Rhymes for extraterrestrial

See All Rhymes for extraterrestrial

Browse Nearby Words

extratensive
extraterrestrial
extraterritorial
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Extraterrestrial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extraterrestrial. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

extraterrestrial

adjective
ex·​tra·​ter·​res·​tri·​al
ˌek-strə-tə-ˈres-trē-əl
: coming from or existing outside the earth or its atmosphere
extraterrestrial life
extraterrestrial noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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