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

According to Ruprecht, originality is virtually unheard of with any competition car of this age. —Howard Walker, Robb Report, 17 Feb. 2025

This fits with the USA Hockey's current approach, which encourages originality. —James Mirtle, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025

The projects were selected from submissions across NYU for originality and marketability, explains Liz Nord, head of Programs and Creative Development at the NYU Production Lab. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 6 Feb. 2025

Aquarius — governed by rebellious Uranus, the higher octave of Mercury — is an Air sign that is all about revolution, progress and originality. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 27 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for originality

• bisexuality
• collegiality
• conditionality
• congeniality
• conventionality
• conviviality
• dimensionality
• directionality
• emotionality
• essentiality
• eventuality
• grammaticality

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