oddity

noun

odd·​i·​ty ˈä-də-tē How to pronounce oddity (audio)
plural oddities
Synonyms of oddity
1
: an odd person, thing, event, or trait
2
: the quality or state of being odd

Synonyms of oddity

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Examples of oddity in a Sentence

Her shyness makes her a bit of an oddity in the business world. The zoo has such oddities as anteaters and platypuses.
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.
Once dismissed as an oddity in American bathrooms, the bidet is having a moment. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026 The fact that both races are on this year’s ballot is an oddity in itself. — Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026 For a fundamental particle such as the muon, that would be far more than an oddity. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026 Here are some of our favourite museum oddities across the country. — Will Barker, TheWeek, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for oddity

Word History

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of oddity was in 1713

Rhymes for oddity

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Browse Nearby Words

oddish
oddity
odd-job
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Cite this Entry

“Oddity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oddity. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

oddity

noun
odd·​i·​ty ˈäd-ət-ē How to pronounce oddity (audio)
plural oddities
1
: something odd
2
: the quality or state of being odd
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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