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
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
Quantum Computing’s Emerging Capabilities and Threats Quantum computing works by harnessing the distinctive properties of atoms and subatomic particles.
—
Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
The durable Rogers — who has a distinctive submarine delivery — has made 53 appearances this season with a 1.80 ERA, four walks and 38 strikeouts for the San Francisco Giants.
—David Brandt, Chicago Tribune, 31 July 2025
Often mistaken for king snakes or milk snakes, coral snakes display distinctive red, yellow, and black rings encircling their bodies.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025
From Marc Jacobs during his tenure at Louis Vuitton to Anderson’s long-running collaboration with Miuccia Prada, luxury houses have eagerly partnered with the director to help bring his distinctive vision to life.
—Brett Braley, Robb Report, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinctive
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Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
The durable Rogers — who has a distinctive submarine delivery — has made 53 appearances this season with a 1.80 ERA, four walks and 38 strikeouts for the San Francisco Giants.
—David Brandt, Chicago Tribune, 31 July 2025
Often mistaken for king snakes or milk snakes, coral snakes display distinctive red, yellow, and black rings encircling their bodies.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025
From Marc Jacobs during his tenure at Louis Vuitton to Anderson’s long-running collaboration with Miuccia Prada, luxury houses have eagerly partnered with the director to help bring his distinctive vision to life.
—Brett Braley, Robb Report, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for distinctive
Cite this Entry
“Distinctive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distinctive. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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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