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
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.
Who knows if Mr. Musk will every colonize Mars, but the surest bet is never to bet against American innovation.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026
"You don't really have any competitors in Europe or any innovation coming out of Europe," said Musiolik, 21.
From Barron's • May 21, 2026
Embracing innovation and technology is giving Ukraine an advantage.
From BBC • May 21, 2026
“Gamifying spending is just one more place where fintech innovation is adding risk rather than helping people towards financial health.”
From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026
Though now considered anachronistic, in the late nineteenth century the chair was thought to be a bold and humane innovation.
From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover
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.
