adjective \y-ˈnēk\

—used to say that something or someone is unlike anything or anyone else

: very special or unusual

: belonging to or connected with only one particular thing, place, or person

Full Definition of UNIQUE

unique·ly adverb
unique·ness noun

Usage Discussion of UNIQUE


Examples of UNIQUE

  2. Humans are unique among mammals in several respects.

Origin of UNIQUE

First Known Use: 1602

Synonym Discussion of UNIQUE

strange, singular, unique, peculiar, eccentric, erratic, odd, quaint, outlandish mean departing from what is ordinary, usual, or to be expected. strange stresses unfamiliarity and may apply to the foreign, the unnatural, the unaccountable <a journey filled with strange sights>. singular suggests individuality or puzzling strangeness <a singular feeling of impending disaster>. unique implies singularity and the fact of being without a known parallel <a career unique in the annals of science>. peculiar implies a marked distinctiveness <the peculiar status of America's first lady>. eccentric suggests a wide divergence from the usual or normal especially in behavior <the eccentric eating habits of preschoolers>. erratic stresses a capricious and unpredictable wandering or deviating <a friend's suddenly erratic behavior>. odd applies to a departure from the regular or expected <an odd sense of humor>. quaint suggests an old-fashioned but pleasant oddness <a quaint fishing village>. outlandish applies to what is uncouth, bizarre, or barbaric <outlandish fashions of the time>.
UNIQUENESS Defined for Kids


adjective \y-ˈnēk\

Definition of UNIQUE for Kids

:  being the only one of its kind <Every snowflake is unique.>
:  very unusual :  notable <a unique talent>
unique·ly adverb <She is uniquely suited for this job.>
unique·ness noun


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