oddity

noun

odd·​i·​ty ˈä-də-tē 

plural oddities

1

: an odd person, thing, event, or trait

2

: the quality or state of being odd

Synonyms of oddity

• trick
• quirk
• trait
• characteristic
• peculiarity
• idiosyncrasy
• mannerism
• eccentricity
• singularity

Examples of oddity in a Sentence

Her shyness makes her a bit of an oddity in the business world.

The zoo has such oddities as anteaters and platypuses.

Recent Examples on the Web

The June jobs report contained an oddity that might have reversed in July. — Paul Wiseman, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026

But most have written asking for advice about life’s vexations and troubles, or to share their observations on life’s oddities and joys. — Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026

In the world of traffic oddities, one car straddling a bike path median — like a gymnast poised on a balance beam — could be called a fluke. — Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026

That somebody was Dirk Dole, of California, who purchased Mystery Hill in 2022 and added an oddities museum and a gemstone mining experience. — Janelle D. James, ABC News, 29 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for oddity

• commodity

Kids Definition

oddity

noun

odd·​i·​ty ˈäd-ət-ē 

plural oddities

1

: something odd

2

: the quality or state of being odd