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

Because when everyone can generate content instantly, the real scarcity becomes originality, along with perspective, taste, restraint and conviction. — Adam Taylor, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Jurors will include representatives from Istituto Marangoni Riyadh and WWD — who will rank and evaluate submissions on the criteria of coherence of explanation, originality in proposal, aesthetic approach and overall quality. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 14 July 2026

Nikou added that in the last 15-20 years, cinema has suffered from a lack of originality. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 11 July 2026

Trust your originality, then let playful practice turn the spark into something durable. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 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