novelty

[nov-uhl-tee]

noun

plural

novelties 

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

But the recently charting AI tracks haven’t yet proved their staying power; novelty is a big part of their appeal.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It’s in these instances when the film comes alive, and Cosm’s take on experiential cinema no longer feels like a novelty and becomes an experience.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But the novelty of racing for Ferrari has not waned for Hamilton.

Read more on BBC

Sheep-dotted meadows were hardly a novelty to three English children who lived on a country estate, but seeing the landscape flick by through the windows of a fast-moving train certainly was, and they were captivated.

Read more on Literature

Before the 2018 Supreme Court ruling opened the doors to legal sports gambling nationwide, the prop bet was largely a novelty.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• freshness www.thesaurus.com
• innovation 
• oddity 
• uniqueness