invent

verb in·vent \ in-ˈvent \

|Updated on: 17 Jun 2018

Definition of invent

invented; inventing; invents

1 archaic : find, discover

2 : to devise by thinking : fabricate

3 : 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

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inventor

play \in-ˈven-tər\ noun

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inventress

play \in-ˈven-trəs\ noun

See invent defined for English-language learners

See invent defined for kids

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 of invent from the Web

And there are so many delicious creations invented by skilled, passionate chefs out there waiting to be devoured.

— nick davidson, Outside Online, "Travel Hacks for When You're on a Vegan Diet," 14 June 2018
The film told the story of 17-year-old high school student Marty McFly (Fox) who is accidentally sent 30 years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his close friend, scientist Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd).

— stephanie nolasco, Fox News, "Lea Thompson says Tom Cruise rescued her from filming topless scene in 'All the Right Moves'," 13 June 2018
Nylon, the synthetic material invented by DuPont for women's stockings, was used to make parachutes, glider tow ropes, aircraft fuel tanks and flak jackets, according to Smithsonian magazine.

— the washington post, NOLA.com, "D-Day: How New Orleans technology helped win the battle and World War II," 6 June 2018
Nylon, the synthetic material invented by DuPont for women’s stockings, was used to make parachutes, glider tow ropes, aircraft fuel tanks and flak jackets, according to Smithsonian magazine.

— michael s. rosenwald, Washington Post, "D-Day: How American and British technology helped win the battle and World War II," 6 June 2018
Impossible Physics The EmDrive device, invented by British engineer Roger Shawyer, is a truncated cone filled with microwaves.

— david hambling, Popular Mechanics, "New Study Casts Doubt on the "Impossible" EmDrive," 24 May 2018
The summery Rock sunset cocktail, a fruity drink invented by Steuck, is $7.

— hannah kirby, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "The Umbrella Bar: An outdoor venue that combines vacation-vibes with America's pastime — in Franklin," 9 May 2018
Boyd is completing a communications degree and may eventually join the family business related to a dental splint invented by his father, Jim, a dentist.

— glae thien, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Tennis lover finds whole new flame," 3 May 2018
Getting a real Jheri curl — which was invented by a white chemist named Jheri Redding — cost hundreds of dollars.

— dana snitzky, Longreads, "How To Be a Plain Girl," 2 May 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.

Origin and Etymology of invent

Middle English, from Latin inventus, past participle of invenire to come upon, find, from in- + venire to come — more at come

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

invent Synonyms

Phrases

come up with;

INVENT Defined for English Language Learners

invent

verb

Definition of invent for English Language Learners

: to create or produce (something useful) for the first time
: to create or make up (something, such as a story) in order to trick people

INVENT Defined for Kids

invent

verb in·vent \ in-ˈvent \

Definition of invent for Students

invented; inventing

1 : to create or produce for the first time

Thomas Edison invented the light bulb.

2 : to think up : make up

She invented an excuse for being late.

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inventor

\-ˈvent-ər\ noun

Word Root of invent

The Latin word venīre, meaning “to come,” and its form ventus give us the roots ven and vent. Words from the Latin venīre have something to do with coming. To invent is to come up with a new idea or device that no one has thought of before. To convene is to come together for a purpose. An event is an occasion when many people come together.