introvert

1 of 2

noun

in·​tro·​vert ˈin-trə-ˌvərt How to pronounce introvert (audio)
plural introverts
1
: a person whose personality is characterized by introversion : a typically reserved or quiet person who tends to be introspective and enjoys spending time alone
introverts gain energy through solitude and quiet.Bill Howatt
His research further shows that about 70% of top executives are introverts.Linda Grant
Bill Gates is quiet and bookish, but apparently unfazed by others' opinions of him: he's an introvert, but not shy.Steven Aitchison

Note: Introverts are typically more comfortable interacting with small groups of people rather than large groups (as at parties). The psychologist Carl Gustav Jung first introduced the terms introvert, introversion, extrovert, and extroversion in the early 1900s to describe personality types that focus a person's energy on either the inner or outer world. The terms introvert and extrovert have since become widely popularized, with introvert often broadly used to mean "a quiet or shy person."

… she was, by other accounts, a "shy sensitive introvert" who was "afraid of people and felt most comfortable when she could shut the door and withdraw."Robert R. Harris
compare extrovert
2
: something (such as the retractile proboscis of some worms) that is or can be drawn in especially by invagination

introvert

2 of 2

verb

introverted; introverting; introverts

transitive verb

: to turn inward or in upon oneself or itself: such as
a
: to concentrate or direct upon oneself
… served the purpose of introverting aggressive intentions.Ernst Simmel
b
: to produce psychological introversion in
"… I had gone through some pretty hard deals, and it did introvert me. … "Joni Mitchell

Examples of introvert in a Sentence

Noun although interested in the public welfare, he was too much of an introvert to consider personally running for political office
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
But there are loads of super-smart introverts who don’t, and relying on office meetings disproportionally excludes certain voices. Anu Bharadwaj, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2024 In many cases, most people fall somewhere on the spectrum and exhibit traits of both introverts and extroverts.23 How To Identify Introverts and Extroverts Introversion and extroversion can result in different personality types. Joy Emeh, Health, 10 Sep. 2024
Verb
This means that a significant portion of people, potentially up to half, have introverted tendencies. Lien De Pau, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024 People high in vulnerable narcissism tend to be introverted, internalize their aggression, are prone to shame and embarrassment, and often struggle with low self-esteem and self-doubt. Joy Emeh, Health, 9 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for introvert 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'introvert.' 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

Noun

(sense 2) noun derivative of introvert entry 2; (sense 1) back formation from introverted

Verb

borrowed from New Latin intrōvertere, from Latin intrō- intro- + vertere "to turn" — more at worth entry 4

First Known Use

Noun

1878, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1652, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of introvert was in 1652

Dictionary Entries Near introvert

Cite this Entry

“Introvert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/introvert. Accessed 7 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

introvert

noun
in·​tro·​vert
ˈin-trə-ˌvərt
1
: a person who is concerned or interested mostly in one's own thoughts and ideas
2
: a person who is shy or reserved and enjoys spending time alone
introversion
ˌin-trə-ˈver-zhən
-shən
noun
introverted
-ˌvərt-əd
adjective

Medical Definition

introvert

1 of 2 noun
: a person whose personality is characterized by introversion : a typically reserved or quiet person who tends to be introspective and enjoys spending time alone

Note: Introverts are typically more comfortable interacting with small groups of people rather than large groups (as at parties). The psychologist C. G. Jung first introduced the terms introvert, introversion, extrovert, and extroversion in the early 1900s to describe personality types that focus a person's energy on either the inner or outer world. The terms introvert and extrovert have since become widely popularized, with introvert often broadly used to mean "a quiet or shy person." compare extrovert

introvert

2 of 2 transitive verb
in·​tro·​vert ˈin-trə-ˌvərt How to pronounce introvert (audio)
: to turn inward or upon itself
specifically : to produce psychological introversion in

More from Merriam-Webster on introvert

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