distinctive
adjective
dis·tinc·tive
di-ˈstiŋ(k)-tiv 
1
a
: marking as separate or different : serving to distinguish
the distinctive flight of the crane
b
: having or giving an uncommon and appealing quality : having or giving style or distinction
a distinctive table setting
a writer with a distinctive prose style
2
linguistics
: capable of making a segment of utterance different in meaning as well as in sound from an otherwise identical utterance
distinctively
adverb
distinctiveness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of distinctive in a Sentence
He had a very distinctive walk.
This wine has a more distinctive flavor than that one.
The store sells only the most distinctive chocolates.
Recent Examples on the Web
Love them or hate them, Apple’s peripherals have a distinctive visual appeal, and that’s especially true of the Magic Trackpad.
—
PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Along with their distinctive, large black eye patches, giant pandas have short limbs and round bodies.
—Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 6 Nov. 2024
Not just any producer could have brought 46 vocalists—including such distinctive voices as Bob Dylan, Cyndi Lauper, and Tina Turner—into one coherent, catchy whole.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024
Physically, the saola stands out with its slender, deer-like body, expressive eyes and distinctive white facial markings.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for distinctive 
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PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Along with their distinctive, large black eye patches, giant pandas have short limbs and round bodies.
—Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 6 Nov. 2024
Not just any producer could have brought 46 vocalists—including such distinctive voices as Bob Dylan, Cyndi Lauper, and Tina Turner—into one coherent, catchy whole.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024
Physically, the saola stands out with its slender, deer-like body, expressive eyes and distinctive white facial markings.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for distinctive
Dictionary Entries Near distinctive
Cite this Entry
“Distinctive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distinctive. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
distinctive
adjective
dis·tinc·tive
dis-ˈtiŋ(k)-tiv
1
: clearly marking a person or a thing as different from others
a distinctive walk
2
: having or giving a special look or way
distinctive clothes
distinctively
adverb
distinctiveness
noun
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