innovation

noun

in·no·va·tion | \ˌi-nə-ˈvā-shən

Definition of innovation

1 : the introduction of something new

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

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

Most of the money would be invested in innovation, helping economic convergence. — The Economist, "France and Germany finally have a common position on euro-zone reform," 21 June 2018 Texas has one of the nation's best economies but lags the top states in innovation, according to a new analysis by WalletHub. — Mark Collette, Houston Chronicle, "Texas has mediocre 'innovation potential,' ranking of state economies finds," 5 June 2018 Yeah, there probably will be efficiencies that result from a larger operation, and maybe technological or service innovations that represent improvements. — David Lazarus, latimes.com, "When companies say a merger will result in lower prices, try laughing in their face," 10 July 2018 Iron innovation came just in time for a Western world at war. — Jonathan Schifman, Popular Mechanics, "The Entire History of Steel," 9 July 2018 StockX's innovations include its elaborate authentication process and unique sales platform that functions like a stock market. — Jc Reindl, Detroit Free Press, "Fast-growing Detroit startup StockX sniffs out fake sneakers," 9 July 2018 Factories, the chief innovation of the industrial revolution, are cathedrals of productivity, built to shelter specialized processes and encourage the division of labor. — Jason Pontin, WIRED, "3D Printing Is the Future of Factories (for Real This Time)," 11 July 2018 Réard’s innovation wasn’t the first to split women’s traditional swimwear in two. — Steve Hendrix, Washington Post, "A scandalous, two-piece history of the bikini," 6 July 2018 The badge, called a Fan ID, is an innovation introduced at the World Cup for the first time and is almost as valuable as a ticket. — Tariq Panja, New York Times, "The World Cup’s Hot New Accessory Comes With a Few Questions," 3 July 2018

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.