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.
- (of a weave) consisting of a combination of basic weaves.
- (of a fabric or garment) having a pattern or design produced by a novelty weave.
- (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.
noun plural -ties
-
- the quality of being new and fresh and interesting
- (as modifier)novelty value
- a new or unusual experience or occurrence
- (often plural) a small usually cheap new toy, ornament, or trinket
n.late 14c., “quality of being new,” also “a new manner or fashion, an innovation; something new or unusual,” from Old French noveleté “newness, innovation, change; news, new fashion” (Modern French nouveauté), from novel “new” (see novel (adj.)). Meaning “newness” is attested from late 14c.; sense of “useless but amusing object” is attested from 1901 (e.g. novelty shop, 1973).