rarity

noun

rar·​i·​ty ˈrer-ə-tē 

plural rarities

1

: the quality, state, or fact of being rare

2

: one that is rare

Synonyms

• curio
• curiosity
• exotic
• objet d'art
• objet
• oddity
• oddment

Examples of rarity in a Sentence

In most sports, athletes over the age of 50 are rarities.

Snow is a rarity in this part of the world.

He is selling most of his collection, keeping only the real rarities.

The rarity of the disease makes it difficult to diagnose.

Recent Examples on the Web

An integrated group — that must have been a rarity. —Mike Sacks, Vulture, 4 Dec. 2024

Finding top-quality All-Clad cookware on sale is a rarity, so take advantage of this chance to upgrade everything in one fell swoop. —Will Porter, Architectural Digest, 2 Dec. 2024

Ban is a rarity, a pragmatic do-gooder with a sublime aesthetic touch, whose few duds are mostly homes for the rich. —Curbed Editors, Curbed, 29 Nov. 2024

While Turkey Day game days are considered a rarity for some teams, the Lions and Giants will hit the holiday field for the 59th year in a row. —Skyler Caruso, People.com, 28 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

rarity

noun

rar·​i·​ty ˈrar-ət-ē 

ˈrer-

plural rarities

1

: the quality, state, or fact of being rare

2

: someone or something rare