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

There are also the journalists, the athletes, and the kids who spend sunny days doing contact improv, which was invented at Oberlin, tangling their limbs in the grass outside the library. — Jesse Dougherty, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026

Gelateria Badiani Originally opened in 1932, this historic gelateria invented the Buontalenti flavor during a competition in the 1960s. — Laura Itzkowitz, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026

But rather than invent a market, ride hailing companies only help to organize the existing pools of drivers — with the right incentives — and connect them to willing but price-sensitive passengers. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026

The electronic trading revolution begins In 1846, the telegraphic printing system was invented. — Brian Lund, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Sep. 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