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

The collection includes big-screen star cars, international rarities, antiques, military vehicles and the world’s longest limo, an Ohrberg creation. —Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026

Green finished the game with only one personal foul, but Steph Curry fouled out with 42 seconds, a rarity for the Warriors star. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026

But seeing that version of the Leafs for a full 60 minutes has been a real rarity. —James Mirtle, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026

This is a rarity — and one the Bulls should cherish. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 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