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

For architecture-minded buyers, the appeal may come down to originality and provenance — not just finishes. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Authenticity is Key While creativity and originality are essential to a strong college essay, many students get bogged down by the task of trying to distinguish themselves from the crowd. — Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

This summary does an injustice to the originality and the sophistication of Tregenza’s way with narrative form. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2026

That same commitment to quality, originality, and staying true to your roots is what Twnty-Two stands for. — Malik Davis, VIBE.com, 9 Aug. 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