1. The act or an instance of coming into sight.
2. The act or an instance of coming into public view: The author made a rare personal appearance.
3. Outward aspect: an untidy appearance.
4. Something that appears; a phenomenon.
5. A superficial aspect; a semblance: keeping up an appearance of wealth.
6. appearances Outward indications; circumstances: a cheerful person, to all appearances.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.