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

The filmmakers were selected for their originality across fiction, non-fiction, animation and student filmmaking. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 29 Apr. 2025

In a world full of Chicken Jockeys and movies inspired by toys, the film is a bright blast of originality — not in the least because of its furry star. —Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2025

Rather than scaling efficiency alone, success will hinge on scaling relationships and originality. —Evan J. Schwartz, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025

The trend of generating images in specific styles has taken off on social media, creating controversy over copyright and originality. —Elizabeth Stanton, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 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