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Definition of novelty

novelty

/ˈnɑːvəlti/
nov · el · ty

Plural:novelties
•
Adjective:novel
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novelty Lexical Profile

novelty Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality of being new, original, or unusual.

Example

"Once the initial novelty of living in a bustling metropolis wore off, she began to miss her quiet hometown."


2

A new or unfamiliar thing or experience.

Example

"In the early twentieth century, traveling by commercial airplane was still a thrilling novelty for most people."


3

A small, inexpensive toy, ornament, or gadget sold as a souvenir or for amusement.

Example

"The boardwalk shop sold postcards, keychains, and various plastic novelties for summer tourists."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French 'novelté', from Latin 'novellitatem' (newness), derived from 'novellus', a diminutive of 'novus' meaning 'new'.

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Novelty. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/novelty
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