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
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
Actors who look more of the moment are Ayo Edebiri, Teyana Taylor and Jennifer Lawrence – who see dressing for a film premiere or awards show less about creating an outrageous look, and more about asserting their artistry and originality.
—
Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026
The name is a nod to the animal’s originality — a creature that is genuinely its own, not a variation of something already known.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026
Of course neither an award nor a banning is an accurate barometer of the originality or beauty of a thing, and the marketplace that determines whether a book is read by eager millions or six gentle poets in quiet contemplation is a poor barometer as well.
—Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026
While the weary court composer is buried in the bureaucracy of state music, teaching scores of pupils, serving on endless committees and composing anthems and choral pieces, Mozart is dashing off works of startling originality while acting like a complete goofball.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for originality
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Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026
The name is a nod to the animal’s originality — a creature that is genuinely its own, not a variation of something already known.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026
Of course neither an award nor a banning is an accurate barometer of the originality or beauty of a thing, and the marketplace that determines whether a book is read by eager millions or six gentle poets in quiet contemplation is a poor barometer as well.
—Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026
While the weary court composer is buried in the bureaucracy of state music, teaching scores of pupils, serving on endless committees and composing anthems and choral pieces, Mozart is dashing off works of startling originality while acting like a complete goofball.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for originality
Cite this Entry
“Originality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/originality. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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