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

• brainchild
• coinage
• concoction
• contrivance
• creation
• invention
• wrinkle

Example Sentences

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

Chaya is confident that with more information, some collectors will ultimately invest in creativity and innovation. —Emily Jensen, Allure, 1 Mar. 2023

This type of leadership also encourages creativity and innovation, which can help an organization stay ahead of the competition. —Expert Panel, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2023

However, there is endless opportunity in the creativity and innovation that compromise can inspire. —Kenneth Imo, Fortune, 3 Feb. 2023

The film explores the events of 2020 and 1969, and each year’s success in science, technology and innovation for the U.S. —Charna Flam, Variety, 2 Feb. 2023

Fueling the wave on innovation is a construction crisis. —Pranshu Verma, Washington Post, 30 Jan. 2023

Street dance in general has always been about individuality, creativity, and innovation. —Karen Campbell, BostonGlobe.com, 20 Jan. 2023

Chris Mattmann, chief technology and innovation officer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, who praises Workrooms as a more equitable meeting tool than videoconferences, acknowledges that getting new users up and running takes time. —WIRED, 6 Jan. 2023

But for all his talk about technology and innovation, Pepe, like a true chef, knows there is one thing that matters above all else for pizza lovers around the world. —Los Angeles Times, 5 Jan. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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