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

Vinyl records will be priced between $3 and $10, depending on rarity, according to the store’s owner. — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 30 Sep. 2026

Mario Tavella, chairman of Sotheby’s Europe, said the estimate reflects the painting’s rarity, provenance and condition. — ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026

This created the rarity of the midday draw jackpot winner having a ticket worth more than twice an evening jackpot winner. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026

Leading up to the event, festival organizers had been prepping for the technical feat of showing the opening night film, Paper Tiger, in 35 mm, a rarity at the New York Film Festival. — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 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