rarity

noun

rar·​i·​ty ˈrer-ə-tē 

plural rarities

1

: the quality, state, or fact of being rare

2

: one that is rare

Synonyms of rarity

• exotic
• curiosity
• wonder
• oddity
• marvel

Examples of rarity in a Sentence

In most sports, athletes over the age of 50 are rarities.

Snow is a rarity in this part of the world.

He is selling most of his collection, keeping only the real rarities.

The rarity of the disease makes it difficult to diagnose.

Recent Examples on the Web

In his one-year-old West Hollywood restaurant Darling, a large listening bar is centered in the middle of the airy room, the plywood shelves filled with rarities from Dolly Parton to Merle Haggard…and sometimes a touch of Madonna. — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 26 June 2026

Add to that the opportunity for mountain adventure without long travel days, and Montenegro is a true rarity. — Sarah Sekula, USA Today, 26 June 2026

The rarity of those conversations has contributed to their significance within both the music industry and popular culture. — Ime Ekpo, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

On his new album, only three writers are credited, including himself — which is somewhat of a rarity these days in K-pop. — Christine Terrisse, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rarity

• charity
• clarity
• parity
• verity
• alterity
• asperity
• austerity
• celerity
• dexterity
• disparity
• hilarity
• molarity

Kids Definition

rarity

noun

rar·​i·​ty ˈrar-ət-ē 

ˈrer-

plural rarities

1

: the quality, state, or fact of being rare

2

: someone or something rare