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 of originality

• 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

Marina Warner Possessed of Alchemystic Powers Ithell Colquhoun improvised with Surrealist and occult divinatory techniques in her paintings, and also in her writing—and in this lies her true originality. — Conor Heffernan, The New York Review of Books, 3 Oct. 2026

This is not about manipulating AI systems, nor should communications teams sacrifice originality in pursuit of machine readability. — Jessica Wong, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026

The old money aesthetic emphasizes timeless, layered decor with craftsmanship, quality, and originality. — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2026

Some of these focused directly on Duchamp, while others explored broader questions about originality, authorship, intention, skill and value. — Matthew Palczynski, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2026

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