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

The iron dike invented by Mr. S. B. Driggs, of New York, seems to put an effectual barrier in the way of these destructive agents. — Daniel C. Schlenoff, Scientific American, "“Foul Treachery” of Trotsky and Lenin in 1918; Phineas Gage’s Brain in 1868," 13 July 2018 In 1960, the Etch A Sketch Magic Screen drawing toy, invented by French electrician Andre Cassagnes, was first produced by the Ohio Art Co. — BostonGlobe.com, "This day in history," 12 July 2018 The shop serves specialty drinks invented by patrons. — Hannah Kirby, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "RJ Ice Cream in Elm Grove is a kid's paradise," 28 June 2018 The Story in German/English, French and English/Mandarin editions; and a special mini-series documentary exploring the art of recording as invented by the Yellow Label. — Wolfgang Spahr, Billboard, "Deutsche Grammophon Turning 120 With Forbidden City Concert, Massive Box Set, Rare Shellac Releases," 13 June 2018 The best safety net ever invented by God is family. — Kathleen Gray, Detroit Free Press, "Have Medicaid? New Michigan bill may force you to work," 18 Apr. 2018 Another muddled mint-laden concoction is the whiskey smash, invented by 19th century barman Harry Johnson. — Kevin Hopper, idahostatesman, "Natural cocktail flavors abound with the use of a muddler | Idaho Statesman," 10 Apr. 2018 Trump did not invent this language from whole cloth. — Sarah Jones, The New Republic, "Why Tyrants Dehumanize the Powerless," 20 June 2018 Netflix didn't invent true crime, but our national obsession with the subject was certainly fueled by docu-series like Making a Murderer, The Keepers, and Wild, Wild Country. — refinery29.com, "What You Need To Know Before Binging Netflix's The Staircase," 7 June 2018

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.