novelty

nov-el-ty · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The quality of being new, original, or unusual.

  2. 2.

    A small, inexpensive toy or ornament, often produced as a souvenir.

Forms

plural: novelties

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    novelty wears off — when something new becomes familiar and less exciting
  • •
    novelty item — a cheap, amusing object

Related words

Antonyms: familiarity, tradition
See also: innovation, new, original, unique
Synonyms: freshness, innovation, newness, originality

Etymology

From Old French novelete ("newness"), from Latin novellus ("new"), diminutive of novus ("new").