The article is a summary of the experimental literature and thinking related to the trait originality. There has been no adequate description in psychological terms of trait names such as originality. As a trait name, the latter seems to be closely associated with such traits as independence, constructive imagination, resourcefulness, initiative and ingenuity. Of the various methods suggested for rating originality, those requiring examination of the individual in relation to lists of trait activities seem to offer most promise. Originality seems to be considered essential to persons in executive and managerial positions. Initiative and resourcefulness are more often required for success, in the opinion of most of the sources consulted, than is originality. Reliability coefficients for ratings on the trait originality are rather unfavorable when compared with reliability coefficients of ratings on more objective traits. Originality is more frequently considered to be related to intellectual traits than social traits. The emotional aspects of originality as a trait have been neglected. Chassell suggests a number of tests which offer promise as devices for measuring originality, and although her methods of determining merit and reliabilities are open to question, her results are highly suggestive of future possibilities. A bibliography is appended. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)