English Dictionary

Definition of “serendipity

serendipity (ˌsɛrənˈdɪpɪtɪPronunciation for serendipity

Definitions

noun

  1. the faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident

Alternative Forms

ˌserenˈdipitous adjective

Word Origin

C18: coined by Horace Walpole, from the Persian fairytale The Three Princes of Serendip, in which the heroes possess this gift

Usage examples

  • Ted Wilcox was speechless with rage at the serendipity of it all.
    Richard Francis, PROSPECT HILL (2003)
  • All that institutionalisation did was to commoditise strategy, and rob it of its serendipity.
    Business Today (1999)
  • You once mentioned that your life had been touched by "amazing serendipity ".
    Courier, Sunday Mail (2005)
  • In the circumstances the serendipity of that surname is just too perfect.
    Glasgow Herald (2001)
  • The air was thick with superlative and serendipity , hyperbole and Ciceronian praise.
    Edited by Robin Robertson, MORTIFICATION: Writers' Stories of their Public Shame (2003)

Browse dictionary