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Definition of serendipity

serendipity

/ˌsɛr.ənˈdɪp.ɪ.ti/
ser · en · dip · i · ty
Adverb:serendipitously
•
Plural:serendipities
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Adjective:serendipitous
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serendipity Lexical Profile

serendipity Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way; the faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident.

Example

"The discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming is one of the most famous examples of serendipity in modern science."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

serenader
serendipitous
serendipitously
serendipity
serene
serenely
serenity

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1754 by the English writer Horace Walpole, who formed it from the Persian fairy tale "The Three Princes of Serendip" (an old name for Sri Lanka, from Arabic "Sarandib"), whose heroes were always making fortunate discoveries by accident and sagacity.

Cite this Entry

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