originality

noun

orig·​i·​nal·​i·​ty ə-ˌri-jə-ˈna-lə-tē 

1

: the quality or state of being original

2

: freshness of aspect, design, or style

3

: the power of independent thought or constructive imagination

Synonyms

• novelty
• freshness
• newness

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

How to prompt effectively, without losing your originality. —Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025

The more libertine Chase School encouraged originality and deep engagement with the work from its male and female pupils. —Anne Halsey, JSTOR Daily, 6 Aug. 2025

Each doll reflected the designers’ and owner’s belief in originality, quality and creativity, according to Magia2000. —Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 30 July 2025

Others see it as a threat to everything music has traditionally stood for: originality, emotion, and human expression. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for originality

• bisexuality
• collegiality
• conditionality
• congeniality
• conventionality
• conviviality
• dimensionality
• directionality
• emotionality
• essentiality
• eventuality
• grammaticality

Kids Definition

originality

noun

orig·​i·​nal·​i·​ty ə-ˌrij-ə-ˈnal-ət-ē 

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