distinct
adjective
dis·tinct
di-ˈstiŋ(k)t 
1
: distinguishable to the eye or mind as being discrete (see discrete sense 1) or not the same : separate
a distinct cultural group
teaching as distinct from research
2
: presenting a clear unmistakable impression
a neat distinct handwriting
3
archaic
: notably decorated
4
a
: notable
a distinct contribution to scholarship
b
: readily and unmistakably apprehended (see apprehend sense 2a)
a distinct possibility of snow
a distinct British accent
the distinct odor of sulfur
Examples of distinct in a Sentence
There are three distinct categories.
Each herb has its own distinct flavor.
The phrase has three distinct meanings.
There was the distinct smell of something burning.
The outline became less and less distinct as the light faded.
We had the distinct impression that they were lying.
Recent Examples on the Web
Creating this distinct sense of place, without employing gimmicky tropes (all too easy to do in a place like Hawaii, where a little puka shell goes a long way), is what makes Hualālai stand out on an island of upscale resorts.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
Two distinct color stories emerged—ones rooted in boldly saturated primary shades, the other in pale pastel tones typically associated with this time of year—demonstrating that the best colorful sneakers this season span the full spectrum.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 6 Apr. 2026
The nearly 600-mile-wide basin, which stretches across the moon’s near and far sides, still has distinct geological features from the ancient collision, according to NASA.
—Denise Chow, NBC news, 6 Apr. 2026
According to polygenism, one of the most important constructions of race in the mid-nineteenth century, each of these distinct races had separate origins, either by divine creation or, in later interpretations shaped by Darwinian thought, by distinct evolutionary paths.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distinct
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
Two distinct color stories emerged—ones rooted in boldly saturated primary shades, the other in pale pastel tones typically associated with this time of year—demonstrating that the best colorful sneakers this season span the full spectrum.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 6 Apr. 2026
The nearly 600-mile-wide basin, which stretches across the moon’s near and far sides, still has distinct geological features from the ancient collision, according to NASA.
—Denise Chow, NBC news, 6 Apr. 2026
According to polygenism, one of the most important constructions of race in the mid-nineteenth century, each of these distinct races had separate origins, either by divine creation or, in later interpretations shaped by Darwinian thought, by distinct evolutionary paths.
—Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for distinct
Cite this Entry
“Distinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distinct. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
distinct
adjective
dis·tinct
dis-ˈtiŋ(k)t
1
: real and different from each other
five distinct varieties
pears as distinct from apples
2
: clearly seen, heard, or understood : plain, unmistakable
speaks with a distinct accent
a distinct possibility
3
: notable
made a distinct contribution to science
distinctly
adverb
distinctness
noun
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