orig·i·nal
ə-ˈri-jə-nᵊl 
-ˈrij-nəl
1
2
a
: not secondary, derivative, or imitative
an original composition
b
: being the first instance or source from which a copy, reproduction, or translation is or can be made
3
: independent and creative in thought or action : inventive
an original artist
1
a
: that from which a copy, reproduction, or translation is made
gave her a copy of the report and kept the original
b
: a work composed firsthand
This painting is a Van Gogh original.
2
a
: a person of fresh initiative or inventive capacity
an original among popular pianists, combining jazz and romantic techniques in an unusually effective manner—
Douglas Watt
Douglas Watt
b
: a unique or eccentric person
Among other comedians he's an original.
3
Synonyms
Examples of original in a Sentence
Adjective
Their original idea was to fix their old car, but they decided to buy a new one instead.
The word's original meaning was very different from its current meaning.
I gave her a copy and kept the original document myself.
The book has been translated into English from the original Spanish.
The concept is very original.
The car has a highly original design.
She has a very original and creative mind.
He is admired as an original American composer.
Noun
I gave her a copy of the report and kept the original.
This isn't a reprint, it's an original.
Compared to other actresses of her generation, she is a true original.
Recent Examples on the WebPamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Apr. 2024
The music icon is voicing Smurfette and creating original music for the movie.
—Zack Sharf, Variety, 11 Apr. 2024
Therefore, the units that still bear original, light paint are more desirable to collectors and subsequently worth far more.
—Sean Evans, Robb Report, 11 Apr. 2024
This month, the group plans to open Only Love Strangers, a bar, jazz lounge and restaurant in a bi-level space in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, a few blocks away from the original MáLà Project.
—Devorah Lev-Tov Kin Woo Ella Riley-Adams Jameson Montgomery Kurt Soller Megan O’Sullivan, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2024
Many items come with a letter of authenticity from the original owner.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2024
About 30 men from this Arizona contingent, plus other stragglers from Crabb's original party, left for Caborca a few days after Crabb.
—The Arizona Republic, 11 Apr. 2024
Melrose Place is getting the reboot treatment again, but this time with original stars Heather Locklear, Daphne Zuniga, and Laura Leighton returning to stir up trouble.
—Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 11 Apr. 2024
Each day, original pieces from local artists will be hidden throughout the festival grounds for fans to keep if found — including some that will have artist meet-and-greet passes, wristband upgrades and other special prizes.
—Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 11 Apr. 2024
Jack Smart, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2024
The footage featured new music and stunning visuals in the same vein as the original.
—Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Apr. 2024
The original streamed on Dropout in 2019, followed by a second season beginning in 2020.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 8 Apr. 2024
And a design that builds on the original and extends farther into the sea.
—Emily Alvarenga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2024
There’s no set timeline yet, but fans of the 1996 original can rest assured: Happy will be picking up a nine iron once again.
—Eva Hartman, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2024
Netflix originals are generally released at 3 a.m. ET/12 a.m.
—Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 3 Apr. 2024
The sequel, for all its punches and counterpunches, Iowa’s long-distance bombs and L.S.U.’s relentless rebounding, is unlikely to have the lingering impact of the original.
—Billy Witz, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2024
While some of the new recordings largely stay true to the originals, others add a new dimension.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 29 Mar. 2024
Adjective
The Paramount film is based on an original idea from A Quiet Place filmmaker Krasinski and is directed by Pig’s Michael Sarnoski, who also wrote the script.
—Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Apr. 2024
The music icon is voicing Smurfette and creating original music for the movie.
—Zack Sharf, Variety, 11 Apr. 2024
Therefore, the units that still bear original, light paint are more desirable to collectors and subsequently worth far more.
—Sean Evans, Robb Report, 11 Apr. 2024
This month, the group plans to open Only Love Strangers, a bar, jazz lounge and restaurant in a bi-level space in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, a few blocks away from the original MáLà Project.
—Devorah Lev-Tov Kin Woo Ella Riley-Adams Jameson Montgomery Kurt Soller Megan O’Sullivan, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2024
Many items come with a letter of authenticity from the original owner.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2024
About 30 men from this Arizona contingent, plus other stragglers from Crabb's original party, left for Caborca a few days after Crabb.
—The Arizona Republic, 11 Apr. 2024
Melrose Place is getting the reboot treatment again, but this time with original stars Heather Locklear, Daphne Zuniga, and Laura Leighton returning to stir up trouble.
—Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 11 Apr. 2024
Each day, original pieces from local artists will be hidden throughout the festival grounds for fans to keep if found — including some that will have artist meet-and-greet passes, wristband upgrades and other special prizes.
—Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 11 Apr. 2024
Noun
Following its release, a live-action remake of the original is also on the horizon.
—Jack Smart, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2024
The footage featured new music and stunning visuals in the same vein as the original.
—Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Apr. 2024
The original streamed on Dropout in 2019, followed by a second season beginning in 2020.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 8 Apr. 2024
And a design that builds on the original and extends farther into the sea.
—Emily Alvarenga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2024
There’s no set timeline yet, but fans of the 1996 original can rest assured: Happy will be picking up a nine iron once again.
—Eva Hartman, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2024
Netflix originals are generally released at 3 a.m. ET/12 a.m.
—Emily Deletter, USA TODAY, 3 Apr. 2024
The sequel, for all its punches and counterpunches, Iowa’s long-distance bombs and L.S.U.’s relentless rebounding, is unlikely to have the lingering impact of the original.
—Billy Witz, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2024
While some of the new recordings largely stay true to the originals, others add a new dimension.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 29 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'original.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Phrases Containing original
Dictionary Entries Near original
Cite this Entry
“Original.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/original. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
original
1 of 2 noun
orig·i·nal
ə-ˈrij-ən-ᵊl
-nəl
: something from which a copy or translation is made
original
2 of 2 adjective
Legal Definition
original
noun
orig·i·nal
1
: that from which a copy or reproduction is made
both parties signed the original
compare duplicate
2
: a work composed firsthand as the product of an author's creativity
Note: A work must be an original in order to obtain a copyright.
original
adjective
More from Merriam-Webster on original
Nglish: Translation of original for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of original for Arabic Speakers
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