original

noun

1

a

: that from which a copy, reproduction, or translation is made

gave her a copy of the report and kept the original

b

: a work composed firsthand

This painting is a Van Gogh original.

2

a

: a person of fresh initiative or inventive capacity

… an original among popular pianists, combining jazz and romantic techniques in an unusually effective manner.

—Douglas Watt

b

: a unique or eccentric person

Among other comedians he's an original.

3

archaic : the source or cause from which something arises

specifically : originator

Synonyms of original

• prototype
• source
• example

Examples of original in a Sentence

I gave her a copy of the report and kept the original.

This isn't a reprint, it's an original.

Compared to other actresses of her generation, she is a true original.

Recent Examples on the Web

Rather than relying on approximations, costume designer Marci Rodgers recreated each piece from the ground up, sourcing materials that matched the originals as closely as possible, even down to the thread color. —Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026

Mann’s goal in creating a new version of the movie was to not only restore it to its former glory but to utilize new technology to create an experience as visceral for audiences in 2026 as the original was in 1986. —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 9 June 2026

Rounding out the creative team are director of photography Marco Fargnoli, production designer Hillary Gurtler, editor Brian Olds and costume designer Mona May, the latter of whom put her stylish stamp on the beloved original after a culture shifting gig on 1995’s Clueless. —Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 8 June 2026

Santi is a new character that didn’t exist in the original The Magnificent Seven (1960) or the Antoine Fuqua remake (2016). —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 8 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing original

• in the original
• original equipment manufacturer
• original sin

Rhymes for original

• aboriginal
• unoriginal

Kids Definition

original

1 of 2 noun

orig·​i·​nal ə-ˈrij-ən-ᵊl 

-nəl

: something from which a copy or translation is made

original

2 of 2 adjective

1

: relating to or being the origin or beginning : first, earliest

the original part of an old house

original owners

2

: not copied or imitated from something else

original paintings

an original idea

3

: being an original

4

: able to think up new things : inventive

an original artist

Legal Definition

original

noun

orig·​i·​nal

1

: that from which a copy or reproduction is made

both parties signed the original

compare duplicate

2

: a work composed firsthand as the product of an author's creativity

Note: A work must be an original in order to obtain a copyright.

original adjective