original

1 of 2

adjective

orig·​i·​nal ə-ˈri-jə-nᵊl 

-ˈrij-nəl

1

: of, relating to, or constituting an origin or beginning : initial

the original part of the house

2

a

: not secondary, derivative, or imitative

an original composition

b

: being the first instance or source from which a copy, reproduction, or translation is or can be made

3

: independent and creative in thought or action : inventive

an original artist

original

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: that from which a copy, reproduction, or translation is made

gave her a copy of the report and kept the original

b

: a work composed firsthand

This painting is a Van Gogh original.

2

a

: a person of fresh initiative or inventive capacity

an original among popular pianists, combining jazz and romantic techniques in an unusually effective manner

—Douglas Watt

b

: a unique or eccentric person

Among other comedians he's an original.

3

archaic : the source or cause from which something arises

specifically : originator

Synonyms

Adjective

• earliest
• first
• foremost
• headmost
• inaugural
• initial
• leadoff
• maiden
• pioneer
• premier
• virgin

Noun

• archetype
• prototype

Choose the Right Synonym for original

new, novel, original, fresh mean having recently come into existence or use.

new may apply to what is freshly made and unused

new brick

or has not been known before

new designs

or not experienced before.

starts the new job

novel applies to what is not only new but strange or unprecedented.

a novel approach to the problem

original applies to what is the first of its kind to exist.

a man without one original idea

fresh applies to what has not lost its qualities of newness such as liveliness, energy, brightness.

a fresh start

Examples of original in a Sentence

Adjective

Their original idea was to fix their old car, but they decided to buy a new one instead.

The word's original meaning was very different from its current meaning.

I gave her a copy and kept the original document myself.

The book has been translated into English from the original Spanish.

The concept is very original.

The car has a highly original design.

She has a very original and creative mind.

He is admired as an original American composer.

Noun

I gave her a copy of the report and kept the original.

This isn't a reprint, it's an original.

Compared to other actresses of her generation, she is a true original.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

These operators pay artisans and specialized mechanics top dollar to maintain and refurbish the century-old rides, all in an effort to preserve their original design and craftsmanship. —Christopher Cann, USA Today, 26 May 2025

In 1998, the same year the play had its world premiere in London, Arts & Ideas arranged for the original cast to perform it at the festival. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2025

Noun

That reinforces the original (or last) experience the customer had with you. —Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025

His translation recognizes, here and throughout, that the original is funny and compelling enough not to need elaborate explanation, even 60 years after its debut. —Lily Meyer, The Dial, 20 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing original

• in the original
• original equipment manufacturer
• original sin

Rhymes for original

• aboriginal
• unoriginal

Kids Definition

original

1 of 2 noun

orig·​i·​nal ə-ˈrij-ən-ᵊl 

-nəl

: something from which a copy or translation is made

original

2 of 2 adjective

1

: relating to or being the origin or beginning : first, earliest

the original part of an old house

original owners

2

: not copied or imitated from something else

original paintings

an original idea

3

: being an original

4

: able to think up new things : inventive

an original artist

Legal Definition

original

noun

orig·​i·​nal

1

: that from which a copy or reproduction is made

both parties signed the original

compare duplicate

2

: a work composed firsthand as the product of an author's creativity

Note: A work must be an original in order to obtain a copyright.

original adjective