Novelty Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of NOVELTY

1

[noncount]

:

the quality or state of being new, different, and interesting

• The toy's novelty soon wore off. [=the toy became uninteresting in a short time]
• the novelty of space exploration

2

[count]

a

:

something that is new or unusual

:

something novel

• Electric-powered cars are still novelties.
• Eating shark meat is a novelty to many people.

b

:

something unusual and entertaining that is popular for a short period of time

— usually used before another noun

• novelty songs
• The band was a novelty act that had two hits and then disappeared.

3

[count]

:

a small and unusual decoration or toy

• Novelties filled the shelves.

— often used before another noun

• a novelty shop/item