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.
Pulled from recording sessions that took place across a pivotal four-year period, the collection highlights rarities, alternate versions, and deep cuts that hardcore fans will appreciate. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025 These slides checked all the boxes: sleek, waterproof, comfortable, and supportive—an absolute rarity in the sandal world. Samantha Leal, StyleCaster, 25 Apr. 2025 Those cash losses were underwritten by more than £700m in equity injections in the past decade and while the owner-benefactor model is hardly a rarity in football, and English football in particular, it’s been employed to an extreme level at Villa. Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025 It is understood Balenciaga’s business is evenly split between men’s and women’s, a rarity among Europe’s large luxury players. Miles Socha, Footwear News, 23 Apr. 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 2 May. 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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