orig·i·nal
ə-ˈri-jə-nᵊl 
-ˈrij-nəl
1
2
a
: not secondary, derivative, or imitative
an original composition
b
: being the first instance or source from which a copy, reproduction, or translation is or can be made
3
: independent and creative in thought or action : inventive
an original artist
1
a
: that from which a copy, reproduction, or translation is made
gave her a copy of the report and kept the original
b
: a work composed firsthand
This painting is a Van Gogh original.
2
a
: a person of fresh initiative or inventive capacity
an original among popular pianists, combining jazz and romantic techniques in an unusually effective manner—
Douglas Watt
Douglas Watt
b
: a unique or eccentric person
Among other comedians he's an original.
3
Synonyms
Examples of original in a Sentence
Adjective
Their original idea was to fix their old car, but they decided to buy a new one instead.
The word's original meaning was very different from its current meaning.
I gave her a copy and kept the original document myself.
The book has been translated into English from the original Spanish.
The concept is very original.
The car has a highly original design.
She has a very original and creative mind.
He is admired as an original American composer.
Noun
I gave her a copy of the report and kept the original.
This isn't a reprint, it's an original.
Compared to other actresses of her generation, she is a true original.
Recent Examples on the Web
Phil Helsel, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
First, showrunner Jac Schaeffer did not flat-out deny a season 2 was coming in recent interviews, despite that apparently being the original plan.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Karl Brauer, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Netflix originals, three of them new this week, lead their top 10 including their top three slots.
—Tom Brueggemann, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for original 
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Adjective
Smoke was also limiting visibility and slowing traffic on the busy U.S. 101 freeway, south of the state route, the department said on X.
High winds caused spot fires to ignite 2½ miles away in front of the site of the original blaze, Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner said.
—Phil Helsel, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
First, showrunner Jac Schaeffer did not flat-out deny a season 2 was coming in recent interviews, despite that apparently being the original plan.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
This same supple material covers the rear fold-down seat, door panels, and dash, giving the Mustang’s cabin a much higher quality look and feel than the originals ever had.
—Karl Brauer, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Netflix originals, three of them new this week, lead their top 10 including their top three slots.
—Tom Brueggemann, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for original
Dictionary Entries Near original
Cite this Entry
“Original.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/original. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
original
1 of 2 noun
orig·i·nal
ə-ˈrij-ən-ᵊl
-nəl
: something from which a copy or translation is made
original
2 of 2 adjectiveLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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