invent

verb

in·vent | \ in-ˈvent

invented; inventing; invents

Definition of invent

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

Other Words from invent Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about invent

Keep scrolling for more

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

Mark van Praagh invents his own fluid scripts in works that merge writing, painting and sculpture. — Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, "In the galleries: Pulsating dramas of light and sound," 12 July 2019 As related by director Richard Ladkani in this purposeful, impressive work, a twist of chance even a top suspense novelist couldn’t invent fatally intertwines the destinies of two species of fish with very particular qualities. — Kenneth Turan, latimes.com, "Review: Eco-crisis documentary ‘Sea of Shadows’ lives up to its sinister title," 10 July 2019 His maternal grandfather invented a pressure cooker, and his father was an executive with the company. — Matt Schudel, BostonGlobe.com, "Jim Bouton, baseball pitcher whose ‘Ball Four’ gave irreverent peek inside the game, dies at 80," 10 July 2019 Credit where credit is due: Evolution has invented a galaxy of clever adaptations, from fish that swim up sea cucumber butts and eat their gonads, to parasites that mind-control their hosts in wildly complex ways. — Matt Simon, WIRED, "An Itty-Bitty Robot That Lifts Off Like a Sci-Fi Spaceship," 4 July 2019 Now For his part, Beck invented the incredibly-realistic hologram technology that Tony dubs BARF (Binary Augmented Retro-Framing) , which Tony uses during a presentation at M.I.T. in Captain America: Civil War. — Eliana Dockterman, Time, "How Iron Man's Legacy — and BARF Technology — Plays a Major Role in Spider-Man: Far From Home," 2 July 2019 Coordinator George Allen invented the nickel defense that year, and on third downs Caroline would replace linebacker Bill George as a fifth defensive back. — Will Larkin, chicagotribune.com, "Ranking the 100 best Bears players ever: No. 64, J.C. Caroline," 30 June 2019 Designer Jean-Pierre Vitrac, for example, invented a plastic picnic tray that had a fork, spoon, knife, and cup built right into it. — Hannah Whitaker, National Geographic, "Why carrying your own fork and spoon helps solve the plastic crisis," 28 June 2019 Elsa Schiaparelli and Salvador Dalí may have invented the art-fashion collaboration, but Louis Vuitton has perfected it. — Steff Yotka, Vogue, "Louis Vuitton Opens a Monolithic Exhibition in L.A. and Debuts Six New Artist Collabs," 27 June 2019

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