orig·i·nal
ə-ˈri-jə-nᵊl 
-ˈrij-nəl
1
2
a
: not secondary, derivative, or imitative
an original composition
b
: being the first instance or source from which a copy, reproduction, or translation is or can be made
3
: independent and creative in thought or action : inventive
an original artist
1
a
: that from which a copy, reproduction, or translation is made
gave her a copy of the report and kept the original
b
: a work composed firsthand
This painting is a Van Gogh original.
2
a
: a person of fresh initiative or inventive capacity
an original among popular pianists, combining jazz and romantic techniques in an unusually effective manner—
Douglas Watt
Douglas Watt
b
: a unique or eccentric person
Among other comedians he's an original.
3
Synonyms
Examples of original in a Sentence
Adjective
Their original idea was to fix their old car, but they decided to buy a new one instead.
The word's original meaning was very different from its current meaning.
I gave her a copy and kept the original document myself.
The book has been translated into English from the original Spanish.
The concept is very original.
The car has a highly original design.
She has a very original and creative mind.
He is admired as an original American composer.
Noun
I gave her a copy of the report and kept the original.
This isn't a reprint, it's an original.
Compared to other actresses of her generation, she is a true original.
Recent Examples on the Web
Quartz Bot, Quartz, 20 Nov. 2024
The current crop of WAGs in America is seemingly smarter and savvier than the original group of Brits.
—Meg Walters, Glamour, 20 Nov. 2024
Sara Merican, Deadline, 20 Nov. 2024
The 2019 Disney original Noelle imagines the North Pole as a monarchy — specifically, one that follows the same sexist rules as European royalty who forbade women from taking the throne.
—Katie Rife, Vulture, 16 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for original 
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Adjective
The original data was derived from the Brownie`s Marine Group Inc quarterly 10-Q report dated November 20, 2024.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 20 Nov. 2024
The current crop of WAGs in America is seemingly smarter and savvier than the original group of Brits.
—Meg Walters, Glamour, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
Disney+ unveiled its expansion into Japanese unscripted content with Traveling with Snow Man (working title), alongside its launch of new Japanese originals including BULLET/BULLET and CAT’S EYE.
—Sara Merican, Deadline, 20 Nov. 2024
The 2019 Disney original Noelle imagines the North Pole as a monarchy — specifically, one that follows the same sexist rules as European royalty who forbade women from taking the throne.
—Katie Rife, Vulture, 16 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for original
Dictionary Entries Near original
Cite this Entry
“Original.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/original. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
original
1 of 2 noun
orig·i·nal
ə-ˈrij-ən-ᵊl
-nəl
: something from which a copy or translation is made
original
2 of 2 adjectiveLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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