appearance
noun
ap·pear·ance
ə-ˈpir-ən(t)s 
1
2
a
: a sense impression or aspect of a thing
The blue of distant hills is only an appearance.
b
: the world of sensible phenomena
3
a
: the act, action, or process of appearing
the first appearance of that word in English
b
law
: the presentation of oneself in court as a party to an action often through the representation of an attorney
4
a
: something that appears : phenomenon
b
: an instance of appearing : occurrence
her first public appearance since winning the award
Examples of appearance in a Sentence
The general appearance of the house is quite good.
The museum restored the painting to its original appearance.
lotions that improve your skin's appearance and texture
You shouldn't judge a man by his appearance.
Have you noticed any changes in her appearance?
He appears to be happy, but appearances can be deceptive.
Their expensive home created a false appearance of success and happiness.
Recent Examples on the Web
The man accused of stabbing to death two people who were hiking at Devil’s Den State Park on Saturday was ordered held without bond and appointed an attorney at a brief first appearance hearing Friday at the Washington County Detention Center.
—
Arkansas Online, 1 Aug. 2025
Ahead of the fest closers, Gracie Abrams wowed fans with a surprise appearance from Robyn, Cage the Elephant paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, and many more artists made waves.
—Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 1 Aug. 2025
Last season, the Washington Commanders were one of the biggest stories in the NFL following their shocking run that almost ended with a Super Bowl appearance.
—Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025
Research shows that scar tissue is comprised mainly of collagen types I and III, but the fiber composition of the protein is different, hence the difference in texture and appearance from typical skin.
—Emma Sandler, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for appearance
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Arkansas Online, 1 Aug. 2025
Ahead of the fest closers, Gracie Abrams wowed fans with a surprise appearance from Robyn, Cage the Elephant paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, and many more artists made waves.
—Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 1 Aug. 2025
Last season, the Washington Commanders were one of the biggest stories in the NFL following their shocking run that almost ended with a Super Bowl appearance.
—Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025
Research shows that scar tissue is comprised mainly of collagen types I and III, but the fiber composition of the protein is different, hence the difference in texture and appearance from typical skin.
—Emma Sandler, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for appearance
Cite this Entry
“Appearance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appearance. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
appearance
noun
ap·pear·ance
ə-ˈpir-ən(t)s
1
: the way someone or something looks
the room has a cool appearance
gave every appearance of being healthy
keep up appearances
2
: the act, process, or an instance of appearing
3
: something that appears
Medical Definition
appearance
noun
ap·pear·ance
ə-ˈpir-ən(t)s
1
: the action or process of becoming evident to the senses
the sudden appearance of a rash on the body
2
: the outward or visible aspect of something
a tumor with a spongy appearance
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