# recluse

/ɹɪˈkɫus/ (US) · /ɹɪklˈuːs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/recluse
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a person who lives alone and avoids other people. You use this to describe someone who prefers to stay away from society.

For teachers: a person who lives in seclusion and avoids social contact. Often used to describe someone who has chosen a solitary lifestyle for religious, philosophical, or health reasons.

## Examples

- The writer lived as a recluse in the mountains.
- After retiring from public life, the famous actor became a recluse, rarely leaving his home or speaking to the press.
- The philosopher spent decades as a recluse, dedicating his life to the study of ancient texts and the cultivation of a private garden.

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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.