# extraterrestrial

/ˌɛkstɹətɝˈɛstɹiəɫ/ (US) · /ˌɛkstɹətəɹˈɛstɹɪəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/extraterrestrial
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a living creature that comes from a place outside of Earth, like another planet.

For teachers: a hypothetical being originating from outside the Earth or its atmosphere.

## Examples

- The movie is about a friendly extraterrestrial who gets lost on Earth.
- Scientists use powerful telescopes to search for signals that might prove the existence of an extraterrestrial.
- While popular culture often depicts an extraterrestrial as a humanoid figure, astrobiologists suggest that alien life is more likely to be microbial.

## Usage notes

- Often used as an adjective to describe things related to outer space, but functions as a noun when referring to the being itself.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.