innovation

noun

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in·no·va·tion | \ ˌi-nə-ˈvā-shən

Definition of innovation

1 : a new idea, method, or device : novelty

2 : the introduction of something new

Other Words from innovation Synonyms What is the difference between innovation and invention? Example Sentences Learn More About innovation

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What is the difference between innovation and invention?

The words innovation and invention overlap semantically but are really quite distinct.

Invention can refer to a type of musical composition, a falsehood, a discovery, or any product of the imagination. The sense of invention most likely to be confused with innovation is “a device, contrivance, or process originated after study and experiment,” usually something which has not previously been in existence.

Innovation, for its part, can refer to something new or to a change made to an existing product, idea, or field. One might say that the first telephone was an invention, the first cellular telephone either an invention or an innovation, and the first smartphone an innovation.

Examples of innovation in a Sentence

She is responsible for many innovations in her field. the latest innovation in computer technology Through technology and innovation, they found ways to get better results with less work. the rapid pace of technological innovation

Recent Examples on the Web Another innovation in funding local media is underway in Colorado. — New York Times, 11 July 2021 Managing Director at Portera Technologies, your thinking partner in technology and innovation. — Baris Kavakli, Forbes, 7 July 2021 The innovation was part of a string of other industry modifications that would help make the ornamental sunflower more uniform and dependable, and thus less of a financial risk for commercial growers. — BostonGlobe.com, 4 July 2021 Continuous innovation is a hallmark of the modern business world. — Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 30 June 2021 The Merriweather District is envisioned as the heart of downtown, and is centered around arts, culture, technology and innovation. — Mary Carole Mccauley, baltimoresun.com, 28 June 2021 The innovation is that this guarantees publication for even the most mundane findings. — Cathleen O’grady, Science | AAAS, 24 June 2021 But furniture innovation was only part of Knoll’s larger plan. — Belinda Lanks, WSJ, 18 June 2021 How companies support innovation and curiosity is one point in the Top Workplaces survey. — Catherine Roberts, Star Tribune, 16 June 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'innovation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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