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

• freshness
• newness
• novelty

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

This two-hour fever dream oozes charm and originality, and its laugh-out-loud writing is complemented by an incredible voice cast featuring, but certainly not reliant on, the iconic Matt Berry. —Matt Gardner, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2025

Eggers’s dilemma is figuring out how to stay faithful to his material while adding a dash of originality. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 24 Dec. 2024

And even uninhibited directors may lack the stylistic originality of their literary heroes. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 6 Dec. 2024

Here’s hoping originality and artistic vision is rewarded with box office dollars, and everyone gives it a try. —Scott Phillips, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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