invent

verb

in·​vent in-ˈvent 

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

in-ˈven-tər 

noun

inventress

in-ˈven-trəs 

noun

Synonyms of invent

• devise
• concoct
• construct

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

For the new movie, ILM preserved their recognizable silhouettes while inventing more realistic anatomy, movement and fighting styles. — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026

Liabilities Caused By Wrong Answers One policy, price or refund rule invented by your AI system is enough to create a legal problem for your business. — Klaudia Zaika, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

The genre gave him considerably more freedom to invent architectural settings, mixing classical ruins, waterways, and figures into elaborate imaginary landscapes. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Founded by Australian Michelle Simmons, who helped invent the single-atom transistor, Silicon Quantum Computing is one of the rare companies in its space with a commercially viable product. — Nitish Pahwa, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

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

Phrases Containing invent

• co-invent

Rhymes for invent

• accent
• advent
• ascent
• assent
• augment
• cement
• consent
• dement
• descent
• detent
• dissent
• event

Kids Definition

invent

verb

in·​vent in-ˈvent 

1

: to think up : make up

invent an excuse

2

: to create or produce for the first time

invented a new game

inventor

-ˈvent-ər 

noun

Legal Definition

invent

transitive verb

in·​vent

: to create or produce for the first time

inventor noun