innovation

noun

in·​no·​va·​tion ˌi-nə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce innovation (audio)
1
: a new idea, method, or device : novelty
2
: the introduction of something new
innovational adjective

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What is the difference between innovation and invention?

The words innovation and invention overlap semantically but are really quite distinct.

Invention can refer to a type of musical composition, a falsehood, a discovery, or any product of the imagination. The sense of invention most likely to be confused with innovation is “a device, contrivance, or process originated after study and experiment,” usually something which has not previously been in existence.

Innovation, for its part, can refer to something new or to a change made to an existing product, idea, or field. One might say that the first telephone was an invention, the first cellular telephone either an invention or an innovation, and the first smartphone an innovation.

Examples of innovation in a Sentence

She is responsible for many innovations in her field. the latest innovation in computer technology Through technology and innovation, they found ways to get better results with less work. the rapid pace of technological innovation
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
So, what’s the best approach to navigating innovation and deciding what’s best for your business? Claus Jepsen, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 For brands looking to maximize Instagram’s 2 billion monthly active users, this is the next step in social commerce innovation. Fairchild Studio, WWD, 3 Mar. 2025 At a major center of medical innovation like Harvard, indirect funding is tightly wound into the progress of research itself. Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025 Instead of obsessing over repeat counts, why not consider measures that reward artistic innovation and sustained fan engagement? Seth Yudof, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for innovation

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of innovation was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Innovation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/innovation. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

innovation

noun
in·​no·​va·​tion ˌin-ə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce innovation (audio)
1
: the introduction of something new
2
: a new idea, method, or device

More from Merriam-Webster on innovation

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