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

In one instance, Bourdain criticizes Deen’s style of cooking, saying, “This is not Southern food she’s been selling. Her brand has been, all these years, novelty food,” as reported by Entertainment Weekly.

From Salon

“There’s a real novelty to it and it’s incredibly flattering in a way that we are not used to being flattered,” Rogen said.

From Los Angeles Times

It was the atmosphere, constant energy between games and novelty the league offered.

From Los Angeles Times

Sharad Madan, owner of a restaurant which hosted the event, says the trend underscores that novelty is key in the hospitality sector.

From BBC

But the spectrum is wide, and novelty counts for a lot.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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