originality

noun

orig·​i·​nal·​i·​ty ə-ˌri-jə-ˈna-lə-tē How to pronounce originality (audio)
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 Spending time in nature is always rewarding, but glamping adds another dimension of fun and originality. Drew Dawson, Journal Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2024 The fun and creativity and originality and senses of excellence and humor are leaving our games. Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2024 And Questlove, of course, approaches it with not only the encyclopedic fluency and passion of an obsessive fan but also the expertise and originality of an innovative participant. Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 7 Mar. 2024 Such claims bring to light the discussion about originality and ownership of data. Dr. Tal Patalon, Md, Llb, Forbes, 17 Feb. 2024 With Macintosh, the computer is an aid to spontaneity and originality, not an obstacle. Jennifer Jolly, USA TODAY, 26 Jan. 2024 On the topic of originality, one of the buzziest films on Mattel’s development slate is a film based on Barney, the purple dinosaur. Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN, 6 Mar. 2024 Film critics have a tendency to give too many originality points when something bold and different comes along — Julia Ducournau’s Titane and Benh Zeitlin’s Beasts of the Southern Wild immediately come to mind. Scott Phillips, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2024 Collaborating with his graduate student, Yu (Terry) Tian, their work is poised to provide more insight into the specific writing characteristics that indicate originality, authenticity, and quality in essays and other writing samples. Ulrich Boser, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'originality.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of originality was in 1742

Dictionary Entries Near originality

Cite this Entry

“Originality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/originality. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

originality

noun
orig·​i·​nal·​i·​ty ə-ˌrij-ə-ˈnal-ət-ē How to pronounce originality (audio)
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

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