adj

otherworldly

uh-thuh-WURLD-lee

Otherworldly (adj) means belonging to, or reminiscent of, a realm beyond the everyday physical world — dreamlike, mystical, or strange. Example: “The aurora cast an otherworldly green glow across the night sky.”

adj

Belonging to, or reminiscent of, a realm beyond the everyday physical world — dreamlike, mystical, or strange.

"The aurora cast an otherworldly green glow across the night sky."

"Her singing had an otherworldly quality that gave the audience chills."

Focused on spiritual or intellectual matters rather than practical, everyday concerns.

"The monk led a quiet, otherworldly existence, detached from ordinary ambitions."

How to use otherworldly

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishStrange or beautiful in a way that feels like it belongs to another realm, not the ordinary world.

Common pairings

otherworldly beauty otherworldly glow otherworldly experience

Word forms

more otherworldly comparative, most otherworldly superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “otherworldly” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The aurora cast an _____ green glow across the night sky.

Etymology

A compound of "other world" (a realm beyond the ordinary or beyond death) and the adjective-forming suffix "-ly."

Rhymes for otherworldly

worldly

See all rhymes for otherworldly →

Frequently asked questions

What does “otherworldly” mean?

The word “otherworldly” means belonging to, or reminiscent of, a realm beyond the everyday physical world — dreamlike, mystical, or strange. In plain terms, strange or beautiful in a way that feels like it belongs to another realm, not the ordinary world.

How do you pronounce “otherworldly”?

“Otherworldly” is pronounced uh-thuh-WURLD-lee (/ˌʌðəɹˈwɜɹl(d)li/ in IPA).

How do you use “otherworldly” in a sentence?

Here is “otherworldly” used in a sentence: “The aurora cast an otherworldly green glow across the night sky.”

What part of speech is “otherworldly”?

“Otherworldly” is an adjective.

How many meanings does “otherworldly” have?

“Otherworldly” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: belonging to, or reminiscent of, a realm beyond the everyday physical world — dreamlike, mystical, or strange.