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
If curious extraterrestrial visitors were to reconnoiter Earth, they might well be struck by a planet that nurtures such an inordinate number of chickens. — Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026 An iconic sci-fi horror series, Alien revolves around humanity’s deadly and terrifying encounters with the extraterrestrial species known as the Xenomorph. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
Co-existence with extraterrestrials has seen humans revert to old habits of prejudice and apartheid; crime and corruption are rampant as ever; pop-up ads now irksomely manifest as holograms in your personal space. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026 As the extraterrestrials prepare their arrival, down on the surface several strangers find their fates linked. — Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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
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