originality

noun

orig·​i·​nal·​i·​ty ə-ˌri-jə-ˈna-lə-tē How to pronounce originality (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being original
2
: freshness of aspect, design, or style
3
: the power of independent thought or constructive imagination

Examples of originality in a Sentence

Critics have praised the movie's startling originality. I was amazed by the originality of her ideas.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Problem: This is annoying to others, lacks personality, depth, and originality, and is a cheapened, bogus, unethical approach to building your career and business. Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 High school seniors were asked to submit an essay describing the responsibilities of citizens in a democratic society and were graded by four judges based on grammar, spelling, originality, context and content. Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025 Much like the Beatles in Liverpool, Talking Heads would emerge as the albino in the herd of this New York punk-rock scene: the one band whose combination of talent, originality, discipline, self-awareness, and steely artistic ambition would form the basis of a major musical career. Rolling Stone, 16 June 2025 Evans breathes both charm and originality into the character of the classic New York actor-cater-waiter. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for originality

Word History

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of originality was in 1742

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Cite this Entry

“Originality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/originality. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

originality

noun
orig·​i·​nal·​i·​ty ə-ˌrij-ə-ˈnal-ət-ē How to pronounce originality (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being original : freshness
the originality of an idea
2
: the power or ability to think, act, or do something in new ways : creativity
an artist of great originality

Legal Definition

originality

noun
orig·​i·​nal·​i·​ty
: the quality or fact of being the product of individual creation that warrants copyright protection for a particular work regardless of novelty

More from Merriam-Webster on originality

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