novelty

The quality of being new, different, or unfamiliar.

• The novelty soon wore off.
• We enjoyed the novelty of sleeping in a tent.
• The restaurant attracted customers with its novelty value.

How to use it: the novelty of something (The novelty of working abroad soon wore off.)

Similar words: newness, freshness

Opposites: familiarity

Common phrases: novelty of something, novelty wears off, novelty value

A new product or invention that people find unusual or interesting.

• The shop sells a clever novelty for opening jars.
• This kitchen tool was a novelty when it first appeared.
• Visitors stopped to examine the latest novelty on display.

Similar words: innovation, invention

Common phrases: latest novelty, a clever novelty, novelty on display

Made to look unusual or funny, mainly for display or amusement rather than practical use.

• He bought a giant novelty calculator.
• The shop sells novelty mugs shaped like animals.
• Her novelty clock is too large for the shelf.

Common phrases: novelty calculator, novelty mug, novelty item