original

1 of 2

adjective

orig·​i·​nal ə-ˈri-jə-nᵊl 

-ˈrij-nəl

1

: of, relating to, or constituting an origin or beginning : initial

the original part of the house

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

original

2 of 2

noun

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

b

: a unique or eccentric person

Among other comedians he's an original.

3

archaic : the source or cause from which something arises

specifically : originator

Synonyms of original

Adjective

• initial
• first
• earliest
• inaugural

Noun

• prototype
• source
• example

Choose the Right Synonym for original

new, novel, original, fresh mean having recently come into existence or use.

new may apply to what is freshly made and unused

new brick

or has not been known before

new designs

or not experienced before.

starts the new job

novel applies to what is not only new but strange or unprecedented.

a novel approach to the problem

original applies to what is the first of its kind to exist.

a man without one original idea

fresh applies to what has not lost its qualities of newness such as liveliness, energy, brightness.

a fresh start

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 Web

Adjective

Portraits of the Hobhouse family, who lived here for more than two centuries, hang alongside tapestry wall trophies in the drawing room, while the teal bar mixes original cornicing with vibrant bamboo chairs. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

According to Marcia, George was convinced he’d be laughed out of Hollywood because in the original script characters were running around and shooting at one another and nobody was getting hurt. —Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026

Noun

Like most sequels, Beckham’s second act with the Giants will likely pale in comparison to the original. —Dan Duggan, New York Times, 2 June 2026

Under terms of the agreement, GammaTime will work with Versant to develop a slate of originals with top showrunners and also utilize content from part of the company’s entertainment library. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 2 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing original

• in the original
• original equipment manufacturer
• original sin

Rhymes for original

• aboriginal
• unoriginal

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

1

: relating to or being the origin or beginning : first, earliest

the original part of an old house

original owners

2

: not copied or imitated from something else

original paintings

an original idea

3

: being an original

4

: able to think up new things : inventive

an original artist

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