novelty

 
Pronunciation: /ˈnɒv(ə)lti/

noun (plural novelties)

  • 1 [mass noun] the quality of being new, original, or unusual: the novelty of being a married woman wore off
  • [count noun] a new or unfamiliar thing or experience: in 1914 air travel was still a novelty
  • [as modifier] denoting an object intended to be amusing as a result of its unusual design: a novelty teapot
  • 2a small and inexpensive toy or ornament: he bought chocolate novelties to decorate the Christmas tree

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French novelte, from novel 'new, fresh' (see novel2)