adjective / noun

exclusive

ik-SKLOO-siv/ɪkˈskluːsɪv/

Limited to particular people or a particular source.

The cabinet's sole key gives its holder exclusive access to the contents.

One adult opens a small private cabinet using its sole distinctive key, limited access to that one person, no words or logos.

Etymology

exLatinout

+clusLatinto shut

+iveLatinhaving a tendency or function

Originally describing something that ‘shuts out,’ exclusive came to describe rights and privileges that exclude others. Something exclusive to one person or group is therefore unavailable to everyone else.

In context

rebatecityinfo0:43

additional savings through the use of exclusive coupon codes shipping offers and access to members only limited time sales

Rebate City Consumer Video

More examples

This store has exclusive rights to sell the designer's shoes.
Subscribers receive exclusive discounts on tickets throughout the year.
The newspaper publishes an exclusive about the mayor's secret meetings.

Forms

exclusive · exclusives · more exclusive · most exclusive

exclusively adverb — Only for particular people or through one source.

exclusivity noun — The state of restricting access or availability.

Similar words

restricted: Emphasizes limits on access without necessarily involving a single source.
private: Emphasizes personal or group control rather than sole availability.
scoop: A story reported first, not necessarily by only one outlet.