individuality

noun

in·​di·​vid·​u·​al·​i·​ty ˌin-də-ˌvi-jə-ˈwa-lə-tē How to pronounce individuality (audio)
plural individualities
Synonyms of individualitynext
1
a
: total character peculiar to and distinguishing an individual from others
Their modernism has a … determined individuality of style, so that no mature artist can be confused with another …John Updike
b
: personality
a child asserting her individuality
2
: separate or distinct existence
… ants … turn out to have no individuality but are only cells of a colony.Alison Lurie
3
4
archaic : the quality or state of being indivisible

Examples of individuality in a Sentence

She uses her clothing to express her individuality. materials that highlight the individuality of each piece in the collection
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Their identities as teammates take precedence over their individualities as complex human beings, for the greater good of the team. Candace Buckner, New York Times, 25 May 2026 Ultimately, summer’s best jewelry is less about restraint and more about personality — playful pieces that add color, escapism and individuality to even the simplest look. Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 24 May 2026 The good-versus-evil, sci-fi fantasy that Lucas wove into his original film gave audiences a common cultural language for discussing individuality, survival, and heroism at a pivotal point in history. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 23 May 2026 The rise of house merch coincides with a broader cultural shift towards individuality. Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for individuality

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of individuality was in 1600

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Individuality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/individuality. Accessed 27 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

individuality

noun
in·​di·​vid·​u·​al·​i·​ty ˌin-də-ˌvij-ə-ˈwal-ət-ē How to pronounce individuality (audio)
plural individualities
1
: the qualities that make one person or thing different from all others
2
: the quality or state of being an individual

More from Merriam-Webster on individuality

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster