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

Where is the mystery, the originality? — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 25 June 2026

According to Blair, originality, practical filmmaking and emerging voices matter more than franchises and giant visual effects spectacles. — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 24 June 2026

On the financial side, Sabrina Jones, Head of Investment at Red Bull Ventures, shared that AI can help enhance, not erase, founders' originality when seeking capital. — Lydia T. Blanco, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Judges will seek uniqueness of vision, innovation and diversity in storytelling, as well as originality and provocative subject matter. — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 23 June 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