English · Word Candidate

peculiar

/pɪˈkjuː.li.ə/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: peculiars

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Out of the ordinary; odd; strange; unusual.

Adjective

Examples

The sky had a peculiar appearance before the storm.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Common or usual for a certain place or circumstance; specific or particular.

Adjective

Examples

Kangaroos are peculiar to Australia.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

That which is peculiar; a sole or exclusive property; a prerogative; a characteristic.

Noun

Examples

before 1716, Robert South, Twelve Sermons If anything can legalize revenge, it should be injury from an extremely obliged person; but revenge is so absolutely the peculiar of heaven.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

an ecclesiastical district, parish, chapel or church outside the jurisdiction of the bishop of the diocese in which it is situated.

NounRegister: UK

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “peculiar” mean?

Out of the ordinary; odd; strange; unusual.

Is “peculiar” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.