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

The jury of 19 virtual judges assessed entries on quality of content, format, design, creativity and originality and were impressed by the innovative work submitted by the Anaheim Public Library. —Sharon Hlapcich, Oc Register, 11 June 2026

And also the originality, because it’s never been done before to have a reality show or a docusoap with the Indian community living in Dubai. —Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 10 June 2026

Our task, in the year of the United States’ two-hundred-and-fiftieth birthday, is to deprovincialize the Revolution, without unduly deprecating its originality. —Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 8 June 2026

Try a quick sketch during lunch and share it with a friend who cheers originality, because playful practice helps your ideas take fresh shape today. —Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 5 June 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