idiosyncrasy

noun

id·​i·​o·​syn·​cra·​sy ˌi-dē-ə-ˈsiŋ-krə-sē How to pronounce idiosyncrasy (audio)
plural idiosyncrasies
1
a
: a peculiarity of constitution or temperament : an individualizing characteristic or quality
b
: individual hypersensitiveness (as to a drug or food)
2
: characteristic peculiarity (as of temperament)
broadly : eccentricity
idiosyncratic adjective
idiosyncratically adverb

Examples of idiosyncrasy in a Sentence

Her habit of using “like” in every sentence was just one of her idiosyncrasies. The current system has a few idiosyncrasies.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Regional frivolities One of the best parts of League Pass browsing is catching the various idiosyncrasies of different local streams. Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025 Their passengers are fed up with being driven recklessly, treated curtly and, in many cases, having to settle fares with cash — one of the strangest idiosyncrasies about life in Hong Kong. David Pierson, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2025 Like all of us, managers have their idiosyncrasies. Gus Gaynor, IEEE Spectrum, 12 Jan. 2025 Soon enough, players will be plenty comfortable with the TGL course’s idiosyncrasies. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for idiosyncrasy 

Word History

Etymology

Greek idiosynkrasia, from idio- + synkerannynai to blend, from syn- + kerannynai to mingle, mix — more at crater

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of idiosyncrasy was in 1604

Dictionary Entries Near idiosyncrasy

Cite this Entry

“Idiosyncrasy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idiosyncrasy. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

idiosyncrasy

noun
id·​io·​syn·​cra·​sy
ˌid-ē-ə-ˈsiŋ-krə-sē
plural idiosyncrasies
: a way of behaving or thinking that is characteristic of a person
idiosyncratic
ˌid-ē-ō-(ˌ)sin-ˈkrat-ik
adjective
idiosyncratically
-ˈkrat-i-k(ə-)lē
adverb

Medical Definition

idiosyncrasy

noun
id·​io·​syn·​cra·​sy ˌid-ē-ə-ˈsiŋ-krə-sē How to pronounce idiosyncrasy (audio)
plural idiosyncrasies
1
: a peculiarity of physical or mental constitution or temperament
2
: individual hypersensitiveness (as to a drug or food)
anemia accompanying the use of a sulfa drug is usually considered to be due to idiosyncrasy

More from Merriam-Webster on idiosyncrasy

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