novelty

[ nov-uh l-tee ]
/ ˈnɒv əl ti /

noun, plural nov·el·ties.

state or quality of being novel, new, or unique; newness: the novelty of a new job.
a novel occurrence, experience, or proceeding: His sarcastic witticisms had ceased being an entertaining novelty.
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

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.
of or relating to novelties as articles of trade: novelty goods; novelty items.
having or displaying novelties: novelty shop.

Origin of novelty

1350–1400; Middle English novelte < Middle French novelete < Late Latin novellitās newness. See novel2, -ity

Example sentences from the Web for novelty

British Dictionary definitions for novelty

novelty
/ (ˈnɒvəltɪ) /

noun plural -ties

  1. the quality of being new and fresh and interesting
  2. (as modifier)novelty value
a new or unusual experience or occurrence
(often plural) a small usually cheap new toy, ornament, or trinket

Word Origin for novelty

C14: from Old French novelté; see novel ²