plural novelties
1
: the quality or state of being new, different, and interesting
The toy's novelty soon wore off. [=the toy became uninteresting in a short time]
the novelty of space exploration
2
a
: something that is new or unusual : something novel
Electric-powered cars are still novelties.
Eating shark meat is a novelty to many people.
b
: something unusual and entertaining that is popular for a short period of time
—usually used before another noun
novelty songs
The band was a novelty act that had two hits and then disappeared.
3
: a small and unusual decoration or toy
Novelties filled the shelves.
—often used before another nouna novelty shop/item
Cite this Entry
“Novelty.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/novelty. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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