innovation

American  

[in-uh-vey-shuhn] / ˌɪn əˈveɪ ʃən /

noun

1. something new or different introduced.

   numerous innovations in the high school curriculum.

2. the act of innovating; introduction of new things or methods.

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innovation British  

/ ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən /

noun

1. something newly introduced, such as a new method or device

2. the act of innovating

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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

• innovational adjective
• innovationist noun

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.

Example Sentences

"This industry-revitalising transaction brings together two exceptional global businesses with highly complementary geographic footprints and innovation platforms," the joint statement said.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

Big Pharma needs this type of innovation: About $300 billion in annual sales will disappear by early next decade due to patents expiring.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

The cost of maintaining military superiority is rising as technological innovation accelerates, even as traditional military capital like tanks, ships, and aircraft become more vulnerable and depreciate faster.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

“This is a testament to the years of hard work and dedication they have made, alongside our innovation team, who have built a supershoe which breaks new ground in the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026

It was a source of social and technological innovation of continental importance.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

Related Words

• modernization