rarity

noun

rar·​i·​ty ˈrer-ə-tē How to pronounce rarity (audio)
plural rarities
1
: the quality, state, or fact of being rare
2
: one that is rare

Examples of rarity in a Sentence

In most sports, athletes over the age of 50 are rarities. Snow is a rarity in this part of the world. He is selling most of his collection, keeping only the real rarities. The rarity of the disease makes it difficult to diagnose.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Banks herself rose through the ranks in the early 1990s, when Black high-fashion models on the runway and in magazines were still a rarity. Essence, 25 Feb. 2025 In 1910, a high school diploma was a rarity in the United States, the province of elites destined to be ministers, doctors, or lawyers. Matthew J. Slaughter, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025 Salah’s goal, on 14 minutes, was a rarity in its conception. Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025 Though airplane accidents are still a rarity, according to the numbers. Ramishah Maruf, CNN, 22 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rarity

Word History

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rarity was in 1542

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Cite this Entry

“Rarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rarity. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

rarity

noun
rar·​i·​ty ˈrar-ət-ē How to pronounce rarity (audio)
ˈrer-
plural rarities
1
: the quality, state, or fact of being rare
2
: someone or something rare

More from Merriam-Webster on rarity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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