Taking existing elements of society and creating something new to meet a need

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

Example Sentences

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 Ruled by Uranus—the planet of sudden shake-ups, innovation, and progression—Aquarians are the pioneers of each new chapter of society. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 29 Dec. 2022 One of those learning opportunities was during ADP’s on-stage presentation about innovation, intersection, and scalability using equitable technology. —Essence, 29 Dec. 2022 Further, growing companies attract talent, foster innovation, and create jobs. —Asutosh Padhi, Fortune, 29 Dec. 2022 Additionally, there was little variation—or innovation—among apps studies. —Deb Gordon, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2022 The Fragrance Creators Association, which represents scent manufacturers, and the Personal Care Products Council, a cosmetic-industry group, said the legislation will advance innovation, modernize oversight and bolster consumer confidence. —Liz Essley Whyte, WSJ, 23 Dec. 2022 And employers are concerned that face-to-face communication and interaction are essential for teamwork, innovation, knowledge-sharing and forming a strong corporate culture. —Rebecca Hann, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2022 The video game industry is a place of fast-moving innovation, where player expectations are high and new ideas are paramount. —Rob Wile, NBC News, 19 Dec. 2022 Epic also offered other cautions about the new enforcement regime the entire industry will now operate under: The video game industry is a place of fast-moving innovation, where player expectations are high and new ideas are paramount. —Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, 19 Dec. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'innovation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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 5 Jan. 2023.

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Last Updated: 4 Jan 2023 - Updated example sentences

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Merriam-Webster unabridged

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