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

Girls playing baseball and their moms coaching them was a rarity in the late 1990s. — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Beyond its rarity, the book’s previous owner gave it an intriguing connection to Tolkien’s world. — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2026

Cyrus’s concerts represent a rarity for the singer, who hasn’t done a proper concert tour in over a decade. — Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 19 Oct. 2026

Red Hot Chili Peppers dove deep into their catalog for their headlining set at Silverlake Conservatory of Music’s 25th anniversary benefit show at Hollywood Palladium on Saturday, delivering a handful of rarities alongside their biggest hits. — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 18 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