rarity

noun

rar·​i·​ty ˈrer-ə-tē 

plural rarities

1

: the quality, state, or fact of being rare

2

: one that is rare

Synonyms of rarity

• exotic
• curiosity
• wonder
• oddity
• marvel

Examples of rarity in a Sentence

In most sports, athletes over the age of 50 are rarities.

Snow is a rarity in this part of the world.

He is selling most of his collection, keeping only the real rarities.

The rarity of the disease makes it difficult to diagnose.

Recent Examples on the Web

Just let that sink in for a little bit, because in today's day and age, the Bruins being anywhere close to the top-25 in football is a rarity. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Meir presented a how-to video for curly-haired spacewomen like herself, while Hathaway kept his bushy mustache — a space rarity — groomed to perfection. — Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

The mid-budget movies that once filled the majority of Oscar nomination slots are now a rarity. — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 7 Oct. 2026

The in-room Nespresso machine, a rarity in many hotels now, is a welcome treat. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rarity

• charity
• clarity
• parity
• verity
• alterity
• asperity
• austerity
• celerity
• dexterity
• disparity
• hilarity
• molarity

Kids Definition

rarity

noun

rar·​i·​ty ˈrar-ət-ē 

ˈrer-

plural rarities

1

: the quality, state, or fact of being rare

2

: someone or something rare