Definition of INNOVATIONS (original) (raw)
1
: a new idea, method, or device : novelty
2
: the introduction of something new
Did you know?
The words innovation and invention overlap semantically but are really quite distinct.
Invention can refer to a type of musical composition, a falsehood, a discovery, or any product of the imagination. The sense of invention most likely to be confused with innovation is “a device, contrivance, or process originated after study and experiment,” usually something which has not previously been in existence.
Innovation, for its part, can refer to something new or to a change made to an existing product, idea, or field. One might say that the first telephone was an invention, the first cellular telephone either an invention or an innovation, and the first smartphone an innovation.
Synonyms
Examples of innovation in a Sentence
She is responsible for many innovations in her field. the latest innovation in computer technology Through technology and innovation, they found ways to get better results with less work. the rapid pace of technological innovation
Recent Examples on the Web China has achieved another remarkable milestone in technological innovation with the world’s first passenger train made entirely from carbon fiber. —
Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 27 June 2024 The 50,000 square foot complex is equipped to be a national hub for creative innovation and media entertainment, and an access point to the tax credit. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 27 June 2024 For a decade, winners across the five categories — Protect and Restore Nature, Clean Our Air, Revive Our Oceans, Build a Waste-Free World and Fix Our Climate — receive £1 million each to help scale their innovations. —Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 27 June 2024 All of these innovations are welcome and will hopefully become more widespread in the coming years. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for innovation 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'innovation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Time Traveler
The first known use of innovation was in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near innovation
Cite this Entry
“Innovation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/innovation. Accessed 3 Jul. 2024.
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Last Updated: 30 Jun 2024 - Updated example sentences
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