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

Aquarians are known for their originality and defiance. —Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 23 Nov. 2025

All in all, so much originality and real-world performance could justify super-premium prices for the bikes built around it. —New Atlas, 22 Nov. 2025

Bosses in most video games are preloaded with stock dialogue that threatens or taunts the player, but the bosses in the Hades games broaden the world and enrich the textures of gameplay with their specificity and originality. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 20 Nov. 2025

Your third house is ruled by Aquarius, which pulls you toward local adventures with originality and edge. —Colin Bedell, Them., 17 Nov. 2025

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