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

The American Academy of Nursing has more than 3,200 fellows who represent the organization's mission of advancing health care policy through nursing leadership, innovation and science. —arkansasonline.com, 13 July 2025

When leaders create time and space for reflection, organizations shift from cultures of compliance to cultures of thoughtful engagement, unlocking innovation and resilience even in turbulent markets. —Melanie Hughes, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025

Some Republicans say accreditors stifle innovation and force left-wing ideology upon institutions. —Miami Herald, 12 July 2025

Over the past decade, investment in VR has been eclipsed by more pressing innovations, including self-driving cars and AI. —Liam Reilly, CNN Money, 12 July 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