What does novelty mean?
Novelty is the quality of being new, original, or likely to attract attention. As a noun, it can also refer to something new or unusual—perhaps a gift, fashion, experience, or idea introduced chiefly for its interest. The word often carries a positive sense of freshness and originality, but it can also imply that something is interesting only because it is unfamiliar. Novelty is commonly discussed in relation to the passage of time: initial excitement can fade as a novelty becomes familiar. As an adjective, novelty describes what is introduced for its newness or unusualness, rather than for practical usefulness. The word is useful when discussing invention, fashion, culture, or marketing, because it distinguishes genuine novelty from ideas that are merely familiar under different names. It also captures the social appeal of the unfamiliar and the temporary nature of public fascination.
The quality of being new, original, fresh, or attention-getting; also, a new or unusual thing or experience.
"Researchers were drawn to the novelty of the discovery rather than to its immediate practical value."
When referring to something new, the noun may be approving or may suggest that the thing has little value beyond its unfamiliarity.
New or unusual, especially of something introduced or valued for its novelty.
"The shop specializes in novelty gifts and unusual home accessories."
This use is chiefly attributive and is especially common in commercial contexts.
Novelty is a countable noun with the regular plural novelties.
"Small novelties and practical gifts were displayed on separate tables."
Novelty is exciting by definition, but its power fades as the unfamiliar becomes familiar.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does novelty come from?
The word came into English in the late Middle English period through Old French novelté, meaning “newness,” and Medieval Latin novellitas. These forms reflect Latin novellus, meaning “new” or “fresh,” a diminutive of novus, meaning “new.” English relatives include novel, which comes through Italian novella, and novice, which comes through Latin novicius; innovation and novation also trace back to the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How novelty is actually used
The noun is common in general and academic English. It can be approving, suggesting freshness and originality, or mildly disparaging, suggesting interest that rests only on unfamiliarity. The adjective is chiefly attributive and is particularly common in commercial descriptions.
Easily confused with novelty
Novelty names the quality of being new or a new and unusual thing, whereas a novel is primarily an extended fictional story, although novel also means new.