oddity

noun

odd·​i·​ty ˈä-də-tē How to pronounce oddity (audio)
plural oddities
1
: an odd person, thing, event, or trait
2
: the quality or state of being odd

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Other oddities and relics the designers say add to the vintage Halloween theme include skeleton keys, cracked teacups, magnifying glasses, and even hats that look like they've been left behind. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2025 In a true oddity, the only thing that his sound and fury seems to be accomplishing is the need for the Fed to cut. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 7 Sep. 2025 Another oddity of the Space Age for the watchmaker is that although its Defy design launched in 1969 and had many iterations, it was never produced as a chronograph. Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025 While most sightings are dismissed as misidentifications or atmospheric oddities, a select few stand apart – defying scientific and governmental scrutiny and leaving behind more questions than answers. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oddity

Word History

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of oddity was in 1713

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Cite this Entry

“Oddity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oddity. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

oddity

noun
odd·​i·​ty ˈäd-ət-ē How to pronounce oddity (audio)
plural oddities
1
: something odd
2
: the quality or state of being odd

More from Merriam-Webster on oddity

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