reclusive

adjective

re·​clu·​sive ri-ˈklü-siv 

-ziv

1

: seeking solitude : retiring from society

a reclusive neighbor

While Stephen King is far from reclusive, he doesn't spend much time promoting his horror-filled novels.

—Sarah Lyall

2

: marked by seclusion or retirement : solitary

… sit under the reclusive calm of the acacia tree.

—H. E. Bates

reclusively adverb

reclusiveness noun

Examples of reclusive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Jolie, as Maria Callas, superbly depicts a reclusive superstar in her declining days, losing her voice and coping with the neuroses of billionaire Aristotle Onassis. —Peter Bart, Deadline, 19 Dec. 2024

Elf owls are fascinating creatures, not just for their petite size and reclusive lifestyle but also for their adaptability in Arizona's desert ecosystem. —Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 16 Dec. 2024

Sam, a reclusive computer programmer new to the Midwest, quickly falls for Bailey, who happens to hate holidays. —Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2024

Latte with a view: Coffee lovers interested in catching a glimpse of the world’s most reclusive nation can book their travel plans. —Daniel Wine, CNN, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 2