serendipity
/ˌsɛ.ɹən.ˈdɪ.pɪ.ti/ · ser.en.di.pi.ty
noun
-
A combination of events which have come together by chance to make a surprisingly good or wonderful outcome. Her discovery of the rare book was an example of serendipity, as she had stumbled upon it while browsing through a used bookstore.
-
An unsought, unintended, and/or unexpected, but fortunate, discovery and/or learning experience that happens by accident. The scientist's accidental discovery of the new compound was a result of serendipity, as she had been experimenting with different chemicals in her lab.
Etymology
The word serendipity originates from the 18th-century English novel 'The Three Princes of Serendip' by Horace Walpole, where the term was coined to describe the ability to make fortunate discoveries by chance.
Did you know? The term serendipity has become a popular concept in modern culture, often used to describe unexpected and fortunate events, and has even inspired a 2001 film titled 'Serendipity', starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale.
Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor
1 lookups
Added Jul 14, 2026