novelty

[ nov-uhl-tee ]

noun

, plural nov·el·ties.

1. state or quality of being novel, new, or unique; newness:

   the novelty of a new job.

2. a novel occurrence, experience, or proceeding:

   His sarcastic witticisms had ceased being an entertaining novelty.

3. an article of trade whose value is chiefly decorative, comic, or the like and whose appeal is often transitory:

   a store catering to tourists who loaded up with souvenir pennants and other novelties.

adjective

1. Textiles.
   1. (of a weave) consisting of a combination of basic weaves.
   2. (of a fabric or garment) having a pattern or design produced by a novelty weave.
   3. (of yarn) having irregularities within the fibrous structure.
2. of or relating to novelties as articles of trade:

   novelty goods; novelty items.

3. having or displaying novelties:

   novelty shop.

novelty

/ ˈnɒvəltɪ /

noun

1. 1. the quality of being new and fresh and interesting
   2. ( as modifier )

      novelty value

2. a new or unusual experience or occurrence
3. often plural a small usually cheap new toy, ornament, or trinket

Word History and Origins

Origin of novelty¹

1350–1400; Middle English novelte < Middle French novelete < Late Latin novellitās newness. See novel ², -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of novelty¹

C14: from Old French novelté; see novel ²

Example Sentences

On the other, no one inside the Lakers locker room would dare compare the two, the first definitely still a novelty the Lakers would’ve happily traded, prize money and all, for even a long shot chance to win the big title in the spring.

From Los Angeles Times

All told, it's not just fine-dining restaurants in the U.S. that can be found embracing the culinary novelty of this Indonesian technique.

From Salon

This wasn’t lost on Trump surrogate Elon Musk who was literally out there bribing potential Trump voters with million-dollar oversized novelty checks.

From Slate

Past shifts in food habits suggest there are two paths to the adoption of new foods: One relies on familiarity and safety, the other on novelty and excitement.

From Salon

As the name suggests, the safe route tries to downplay novelty, using familiar forms and tastes.

From Salon

Related Words

• curiosity
• gimmick
• oddity
• souvenir