innovation

noun

in·​no·​va·​tion ˌi-nə-ˈvā-shən 

1

: a new idea, method, or device : novelty

2

: the introduction of something new

innovational

ˌi-nə-ˈvā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Did you know?

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.

Synonyms

• invention
• creation

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

These are on top of images and videos published last week that highlight the Pixel’s folding phones and nodding towards the innovation in the Android platform that is missing in other platforms. —Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025

The agency focuses on developing creative industries while promoting the integration of creativity and innovation into production to enhance the value of goods, services and cultural capital. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 18 Aug. 2025

The next wave of innovations that shape the global marketplace should emerge from African innovation ecosystems supported by thriving corporations, universities, entrepreneurs, and policymakers. —Felicia Appenteng, semafor.com, 18 Aug. 2025

Most Influential Companies of 2025, is expanding and why the health care industry is so overdue for innovation. —Angela Haupt, Time, 17 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for innovation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

innovation

noun

in·​no·​va·​tion ˌin-ə-ˈvā-shən 

1

: the introduction of something new

2

: a new idea, method, or device