individuality
noun
in·di·vid·u·al·i·ty
ˌin-də-ˌvi-jə-ˈwa-lə-tē 
plural individualities
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
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
Alison Lurie3
: individual, person
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
For Barton, that moment became both a style foundation and a lesson in how secondhand clothing could create individuality in a way mass retail often could not.
—J.m. Banks
march 16, Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2026
Her art captures this individuality through striking designs and thoughtful compositions.
—Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
In the prewar American novel, this is a relatively common attitude, but in the literature of the 1950s and beyond, the value—if also the risks—of individuality and rebellion emerges as a major theme.
—Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Some brand representatives say the products can help kids use their imaginations, inspire creativity, and express individuality, offering them a safe option for mimicking parents and older siblings.
—ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for individuality
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J.m. Banks
march 16, Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2026
Her art captures this individuality through striking designs and thoughtful compositions.
—Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
In the prewar American novel, this is a relatively common attitude, but in the literature of the 1950s and beyond, the value—if also the risks—of individuality and rebellion emerges as a major theme.
—Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Some brand representatives say the products can help kids use their imaginations, inspire creativity, and express individuality, offering them a safe option for mimicking parents and older siblings.
—ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for individuality
Cite this Entry
“Individuality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/individuality. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
individuality
noun
in·di·vid·u·al·i·ty
ˌin-də-ˌvij-ə-ˈwal-ət-ē
plural individualities
1
: the qualities that make one person or thing different from all others
2
: the quality or state of being an individual
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