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

Held at Hotel President on November 7 and 8, the two-day auction comprised only 217 lots ranging from vintage rarities to modern indie masterpieces. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2026

Related Articles While a rarity today, gowns like Park’s were commonplace back in the golden age of Hollywood, seen on starlets like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2026

Don’t back down from the rain Sam and Jasmin’s wedding day started out a bit drizzly, a rarity for early summer in Istanbul. — Kaitlin Menza, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026

The Rooms The 53 accommodations range from Panoramic View Rooms in a small hotel tower just up-slope from the main resort to shore-side bungalows that offer connecting rooms, a rarity in Bora Bora. — Scott Laird, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 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