rarity

noun

rar·​i·​ty ˈrer-ə-tē How to pronounce rarity (audio)
plural rarities
Synonyms of raritynext
1
: the quality, state, or fact of being rare
2
: one that is rare

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In honor of his 85th birthday, the American Cinematheque will be putting on another program of two oddball rarities from his long career. Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026 Cross-cultural work, a rarity until the elevated profile of music science attracted more involvement from anthropologists, has further advanced our understanding. Literary Hub, 20 May 2026 The project comes on the heels of filmmaker Nina Lee and Will Packer discussing the rarity of You, Me & Tuscany alongside the hardships and hurdles that Black romance films must overcome in the industry from conception to funding to box office. Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 19 May 2026 After the breakdown plunges into a low-pass filter, the song emerges out the other hand with a fully fledged vocal, lyrics and all—a relatively rarity in Willner’s world of half-syllables and blurred phrases. Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for rarity

Word History

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rarity was in 1542

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Cite this Entry

“Rarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rarity. Accessed 25 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

rarity

noun
rar·​i·​ty ˈrar-ət-ē How to pronounce rarity (audio)
ˈrer-
plural rarities
1
: the quality, state, or fact of being rare
2
: someone or something rare

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