originality

noun

orig·​i·​nal·​i·​ty ə-ˌri-jə-ˈna-lə-tē 

1

: the quality or state of being original

2

: freshness of aspect, design, or style

3

: the power of independent thought or constructive imagination

Synonyms of originality

• novelty
• freshness
• newness

Examples of originality in a Sentence

Critics have praised the movie's startling originality.

I was amazed by the originality of her ideas.

Recent Examples on the Web

Her work examines fashion as a cultural and ideological system, with a focus on copying, repetition, and reuse as critical and pedagogical strategies to question dominant notions of originality and value. — Vogue, 30 July 2026

His mission is to keep the theater’s originality intact a la his previous properties. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 29 July 2026

When the supply of polished content explodes, polish becomes cheap and originality becomes a scarce asset. — Lior Eldan, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

As the number of film festivals across Asia continues to grow, Midi Z believes originality has become more important than ever. — Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 25 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for originality

• bisexuality
• collegiality
• conditionality
• congeniality
• conventionality
• conviviality
• dimensionality
• directionality
• emotionality
• essentiality
• eventuality
• grammaticality

Kids Definition

originality

noun

orig·​i·​nal·​i·​ty ə-ˌrij-ə-ˈnal-ət-ē 

1

: the quality or state of being original : freshness

the originality of an idea

2

: the power or ability to think, act, or do something in new ways : creativity

an artist of great originality

Legal Definition

originality

noun

orig·​i·​nal·​i·​ty

: the quality or fact of being the product of individual creation that warrants copyright protection for a particular work regardless of novelty