invent

verb

in·​vent in-ˈvent How to pronounce invent (audio)
invented; inventing; invents

transitive verb

1
: to produce (something, such as a useful device or process) for the first time through the use of the imagination or of ingenious thinking and experiment
2
: to devise by thinking : fabricate
3
archaic : find, discover
inventor noun
inventress noun

Examples of invent in a Sentence

Thomas Edison invented the phonograph. She is credited with inventing a procedure that has helped to save thousands of lives. She invented a clever excuse. We found out that he had invented the stories he told us about his military service.
Recent Examples on the Web Continue reading here Ducks box score NHL scores NHL standings THIS DATE IN SPORTS 1894 — J.L. Johnstone of England invents the starting gate for horse racing. Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2024 The biopic is based on A Boy, a Burrito and a Cookie: From Janitor to Executive by Richard Montañez, a man who claims to have invented Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Brendan Le, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 His novels often make fun of genres, or else invent them. Maya Binyam, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024 According to Back Then History, Rice Krispies Treats were invented by Kellogg Company employees Mildred Day and Malitta Jensen in 1939. Marina Johnson, The Indianapolis Star, 7 Mar. 2024 Bitcoin was invented in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis by a mysterious developer using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. David Yaffe-Bellany, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2024 After swiping right on a dating app (in 2007, five years before Tinder was invented, but never mind), the future soulmates meet at a bar. Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Mar. 2024 Marley invented a new species of musician: the holy rocker. John Blake, CNN, 3 Mar. 2024 Most cinematographers work with reverence for visual storytelling as invented by their predecessors. David Heuring, Variety, 3 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'invent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin inventus, past participle of invenire to come upon, find, from in- + venire to come — more at come

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of invent was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near invent

Cite this Entry

“Invent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/invent. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

invent

verb
in·​vent in-ˈvent How to pronounce invent (audio)
1
: to think up : make up
invent an excuse
2
: to create or produce for the first time
invented a new game
inventor noun

Legal Definition

invent

transitive verb
in·​vent
: to create or produce for the first time
inventor noun

More from Merriam-Webster on invent

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