innovation

American  

[in-uh-vey-shuhn] / ˌɪn əˈveɪ ʃən /

noun

• innovations
  plural

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

Derived Forms

• innovationist
  noun
• innovational
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• innovations
  plural

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

See Examples For:

innovation innovations

But creating an objective, fact-based way of measuring this and using it to establish appropriate drug pricing is our best chance to ensure we keep rewarding innovation while making healthcare accessible and affordable to everyone.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 13, 2026

The new individual pizza format is being championed by Domino’s incoming chief executive Joe Jordan, who rose up through the company’s innovation arm.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 11, 2026

“I thought, this is an opportunity to do this right in the heart of innovation here in San Francisco,” Arellano said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 2026

At its launch, Chinese state media hailed Manus as a symbol of national innovation.

From Barron's ● Aug. 11, 2026

The Egyptians’ innovation of the solar calendar was a breakthrough, but they made an even more important mark on history: the invention of the art of geometry.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

"This previously hidden microglial shift, now uncovered by innovations in technology and thinking, may be an important clue to help us complete the puzzle."

From Science Daily ● Aug. 7, 2026

Today, Rivera is the director of special initiatives and innovations at the Center for Community Alternatives in Syracuse, New York.

From Slate ● Aug. 6, 2026

Chief Executive Mike Hsu said the company is addressing discrete headwinds and investing in innovations and brand propositions to win over consumers across the value spectrum.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 4, 2026

Many developed a deep affection for the country and its artistic innovations, while seizing on business opportunities.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026

Vivaldi’s Italian innovations, honed to sensuous perfection in the carnival city of Venice, travelled north across the Alps and found a fan in Lutheran north-east Germany: Johann Sebastian Bach.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall

Related Words

• modernization