creative

play

adjective cre·a·tive \krē-ˈā-tiv, ˈkrē-ˌā-\

Definition of creative

1 : marked by the ability or power to create : given to creating the creative impulse a creative genius
2 : having the quality of something created rather than imitated : imaginative the creative arts creative writing
3 : managed so as to get around legal or conventional limits creative financing; also : deceptively arranged so as to conceal or defraud creative accounting

creatively

adverb

creativeness

noun

See creative defined for English-language learners

See creative defined for kids

Examples of creative in a Sentence

She's a very creative person.
She has one of the most creative minds in the business.
They've come up with some creative new ways to make money.
a creative solution to a difficult problem
He teaches creative writing at the university.
the first step in the creative process
It turns out that the company's report of record profits last year was due to some creative accounting.

Recent Examples of creative from the Web

More fun: Paint n' Party on wheels brings creative fun to your door More: Want to sing at Louisville Bats game?

— kirby adams, The Courier-Journal, "'Hats Off' gives free admission to the Kentucky Horse Park," 20 July 2017
The actor dropped out of the project a few years later due to creative differences.

— yohana desta, HWD, "Is the Queen Biopic with Rami Malek Really Happening?," 17 July 2017
A summer writing camp for young, aspiring writers that will explore the craft and enjoyment of creative writing.

— idahostatesman, "Boise theater expert to sign book before Shakespeare Festival performance," 14 July 2017
Now, arctic researchers have devised a creative solution: inflating giant balloons under the snow to form surprisingly strong—and environmentally friendly—cylindrical tunnels.

— eli kintisch, Science | AAAS, "Massive balloons help polar scientists build underground tunnels," 13 July 2017
But nearly all these risks could be mitigated, and many of the most common objections overcome, with a bit of creative thinking.

— The Economist, "If borders were openA world of free movement would be $78 trillion richer," 13 July 2017
But one company, an EU startup called Physee, found a creative solution.

— avery thompson, Popular Mechanics, "The Windows That Are Also Solar Panels," 7 July 2017
Congratulations to Pete Ward for his creative magic.

— steve breen, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Steve Breen's cartoon caption contest for July 6, 2017," 6 July 2017
Creative endeavors reach better outcomes when submitted to Sleeping Emily for ideas and overhauls.

— by emily parnell, kansascity, "Stumped? Let your mystical dream self come up with the answers," 5 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'creative.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of creative

see ¹create

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1678

See Words from the same year

creative

noun cre·a·tive

Definition of creative

1 : one who is creative; especially : one involved in the creation of advertisements
2 : creative activity or the material produced by it especially in advertising

Recent Examples of creative from the Web

Similar things are happening across the country, but Portland feels particularly unsafe because the city is 76 percent white, said Stephanie Duncker, a black creative who has lived in New York and Florida.

— casey parks, OregonLive.com, "Portland's people of color felt under attack long before MAX stabbings," 3 June 2017
Rocket League creative will air across WWE Network, WWE’s digital and social channels, and on WWE’s flagship TV programs Monday Night Raw and SmackDown Live on USA Network.

— posted jim varsallone, miamiherald, "Psyonix, WWE announce Rocket League partnership," 17 May 2017

Origin and Etymology of creative

see ¹create

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1938

See Words from the same year

Other Business Terms

amortize, caveat emptor, clearinghouse, divest, due diligence, emolument, green-collar, marque, overhead, perquisite

CREATIVE Defined for English Language Learners

creative

play

adjective

Definition of creative for English Language Learners

: having or showing an ability to make new things or think of new ideas
: using the ability to make or think of new things : involving the process by which new ideas, stories, etc., are created
: done in an unusual and often dishonest way

CREATIVE Defined for Kids

creative

play

adjective cre·a·tive \krē-ˈā-tiv\

Definition of creative for Students

: able to invent or produce new and original things

creatively

adverb

creativeness

noun

Word Root of creative

The Latin word creāre, meaning “to produce” or “to cause,” gives us the root cre. Words from the Latin creāre have something to do with producing or causing. To create something is to produce it. Anyone creative is able to produce new and original things. A creature is a being that was alive when it was produced