innovation

noun

in·​no·​va·​tion ˌi-nə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce innovation (audio)
1
: a new idea, method, or device : novelty
2
: the introduction of something new
innovational adjective

Did you know?

What is the difference between innovation and invention?

The words innovation and invention overlap semantically but are really quite distinct.

Invention can refer to a type of musical composition, a falsehood, a discovery, or any product of the imagination. The sense of invention most likely to be confused with innovation is “a device, contrivance, or process originated after study and experiment,” usually something which has not previously been in existence.

Innovation, for its part, can refer to something new or to a change made to an existing product, idea, or field. One might say that the first telephone was an invention, the first cellular telephone either an invention or an innovation, and the first smartphone an innovation.

Examples of innovation in a Sentence

She is responsible for many innovations in her field. the latest innovation in computer technology Through technology and innovation, they found ways to get better results with less work. the rapid pace of technological innovation
Recent Examples on the Web Fortune Asian innovation Green tech, AI, and EVs dominate the Asia Future 30, a collection of 30 Asian firms poised for future growth in a list compiled by Fortune and BCG. Alan Murray, Fortune, 21 Mar. 2024 All funds raised from the Portrait Gala are dedicated to supporting several of the Gallery’s vital works, fostering accessibility, education, and innovation within the arts community. Maia Torres, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2024 This list chronicles the Asian players with the greatest potential for growth and innovation. Fang Ruan, Fortune Asia, 20 Mar. 2024 The supercomputer is expected to be ready for pilot projects before the end of the year and will be housed in Denmark’s national center for AI innovation. Olesya Dmitracova, CNN, 19 Mar. 2024 Following the end of World War II, the United States would rise as an economic and innovation powerhouse. María Luisa Paúl, Washington Post, 19 Mar. 2024 The new Center for Advanced Wafer-Level Packaging Applications and Development aims to spur innovation, expand domestic semiconductor manufacturing and drive advancements in related fields such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, automotive electronics and high-performance computing. The Arizona Republic, 19 Mar. 2024 This innovation represents a departure from conventional semiconductor technology, providing both adaptability and efficiency in data processing. IEEE Spectrum, 18 Mar. 2024 An innovation that initially looked capable of reducing fossil-fuel consumption while also helping farmers prosper is rapidly turning into an environmental time bomb. Fred Pearce, WIRED, 9 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'innovation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of innovation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near innovation

Cite this Entry

“Innovation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/innovation. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

innovation

noun
in·​no·​va·​tion ˌin-ə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce innovation (audio)
1
: the introduction of something new
2
: a new idea, method, or device

More from Merriam-Webster on innovation

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