innovation
Americannoun
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something new or different introduced.
numerous innovations in the high school curriculum.
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the act of innovating; introduction of new things or methods.
noun
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something newly introduced, such as a new method or device
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the act of innovating
Usage
What does innovation mean? Innovation can refer to something new, such as an invention, or the practice of developing and introducing new things. An innovation is often a new product, but it can also be a new way of doing something or even a new way of thinking. Innovation is most commonly associated with business and technology, but it happens in any field where people introduce change, including the arts, medicine, politics, cooking, language—even philosophy and religion. Example: The internet changed society and is often considered the ultimate example of innovation, but it was built on the backs of many smaller, previous innovations.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of innovation
First recorded in 1540–50; from Late Latin innovātiōn- (stem of innovātiō ); see origin at innovate, -ion
Explanation
An innovation is the introduction of something new. If you run a magazine about new technology, then you're constantly looking out for the next innovation. Innovation comes from Latin innovare for renew, whose root is novus or new. It can be used for either the act of introducing something new, as in a company that rewards creativity and innovation, or something that is newly introduced, like an innovation in microchip design. It was once used politically in the sense of revolution, but now you're most likely to hear it in relation to technology, or new ways of doing something.
Vocabulary lists containing innovation
Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items
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The Ingenious Lexicon of Invention
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Western Europe - Introductory
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The core issue facing U.S. railroads today is not a lack of innovation; it is a lack of regulatory adaptability.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026
It's been a good start to the season, obviously not as good as what we would want, because we want to target the world championship, but there's been a lot of innovation on the car.
From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026
The message has been clear: Set open pathways for innovation and avoid federal gatekeeping.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026
Working with our partners at Bendable Labs, we have carefully selected 30 data points that provide insights into company performance across six different vectors: AI readiness, innovation, talent readiness, financial fitness, resilience and agility.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026
Burnham and Root realized that Jenney’s innovation freed builders from the last physical constraints on altitude.
From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
