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Definition of novelty
novelty
/ˈnɑːvəlti/
nov · el · ty
Plural:novelties
•Adjective:novel
novelty Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
7
Tier
2
Usage
Top 5k
Syllables
3
novelty Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• 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
View all synonyms for novelty Antonyms
View all antonyms for noveltyWord 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