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.
The Brooklyn foursome of Model/Actriz confesses to this secret on an album that captures the tricky relationship between individuality and voyeurism. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 12 Dec. 2025 Jaffe, who has studied 100-year-old families, said most families find compromises between letting the next generation take the reins and squashing their individuality. Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2025 Thus, most of us are constantly striving for a balance between feeling connected to others while also maintaining a sense of our own distinct individuality. Ishani Banerji, The Conversation, 3 Dec. 2025 Brands, both new and returning, shined a light on the sequel’s themes of empowerment, individuality and friendship. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 24 Nov. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Individuality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/individuality. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.

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

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