rarity

noun rar·i·ty \ ˈrer-ə-tē \

|Updated on: 5 Aug 2018

Examples: rarity in a Sentence

Definition of rarity

plural rarities

1 : the quality, state, or fact of being rare

2 : one that is rare

See rarity defined for English-language learners

See rarity defined for kids

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 of rarity from the Web

Ellis is considering some of the same matters that Jackson has already ruled on, a rarity in any criminal prosecution that could lead to the judges issuing conflicting rulings on the same topics while both cases are proceeding rapidly to trial.

— CBS News, "Judge denies motion to toss lying charges against Manafort," 26 May 2018
But that the country is mentioned makes Askinosie’s site a rarity among popular sellers of healing crystals, which consistently lack information about where and how these spiritual stones are mined.

— emily atkin, The New Republic, "Do You Know Where Your Healing Crystals Come From?," 11 May 2018
Close to 140 lots went up for bid, and all but one of them sold — a rarity in the auction industry.

— grace dickinson, Philly.com, "Campbell heiress Dodo Hamilton's home goods bring in $4.9 million at auction in a near sell-out," 1 May 2018
Visitors can see so much wildlife on land and in the sea that is becoming a rarity in other parts of the world.

— stephanie petit, PEOPLE.com, "Cole Sprouse Uses Rumored Girlfriend Lili Reinhart as His Photography Muse on Mexican Getaway," 18 Apr. 2018
Even on weekends, Ari’s hot spots have free seats and ample breathing room — a rarity in bustling Bangkok.

— seth sherwood, New York Times, "Five Places to Go in Bangkok," 11 Apr. 2018
Still, worth pointing out the rarity in hearing those types of discussions for a player crossing over to the wrong side of 30.

— paul dehner jr., Cincinnati.com, "BX: Bengals eye extensions, but who could be left out?," 31 Mar. 2018
The model and actress dressed like a ‘90s supermodel in a slip dress and suede over-the-knee boots without a coat, a rarity in February in the northeast which has been experiencing unusually high temperatures.

— edward barsamian, Vogue, "Emily Ratajkowski Channels Throwback ‘90s Style in New York," 22 Feb. 2018
Modric is one of soccer’s rarities – a player with the ability to single-handedly change a game.

— martin rogers, USA TODAY, "How the World Cup final between France and Croatia will be won," 13 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rarity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of rarity

1542

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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rarity Synonyms

RARITY Defined for English Language Learners

rarity

noun

Definition of rarity for English Language Learners

: a person or thing that is not common or usual : a person or thing that is not seen or does not happen often
: something that is valuable because there are few of its kind
: the quality of being rare