originality

noun

orig·​i·​nal·​i·​ty ə-ˌri-jə-ˈna-lə-tē 

1

: the quality or state of being original

2

: freshness of aspect, design, or style

3

: the power of independent thought or constructive imagination

Synonyms

• freshness
• newness
• novelty

Examples of originality in a Sentence

Critics have praised the movie's startling originality.

I was amazed by the originality of her ideas.

Recent Examples on the Web

Among other things, a diverse group of employees helps bring originality and creativity to our merchandise offerings, promoting the 'treasure hunt' that our customers value. —Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025

Word had spread sufficiently that the mighty émigré conductor Otto Klemperer turned up, raving about Ives’s originality. —Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025

Across the board, the film has been praised for its originality in the face of a stagnant film landscape cluttered with IP and sequels, while its deft handling of subjects not usually given the musical treatment was met with appreciation. —Lucy Ford, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025

The stakes are particularly high as generative AI begins to reshape the content landscape, raising questions about authenticity and originality. —Rhea Wessel, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

originality

noun

orig·​i·​nal·​i·​ty ə-ˌrij-ə-ˈnal-ət-ē 

1

: the quality or state of being original : freshness

the originality of an idea

2

: the power or ability to think, act, or do something in new ways : creativity

an artist of great originality

Legal Definition

originality

noun

orig·​i·​nal·​i·​ty

: the quality or fact of being the product of individual creation that warrants copyright protection for a particular work regardless of novelty