invent

verb

in·​vent in-ˈvent How to pronounce invent (audio)
invented; inventing; invents
Synonyms of inventnext

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 noun
inventress noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While the hero existed — as did Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, or at least musketeers with similar names — most of the actual stories are invented, either by the sensationalist biographer or Dumas himself. Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 26 Mar. 2026 But it was invented by the same guy who invented the Sling, Ngiam Tong Boon, in the same year, 1915. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Mar. 2026 But about 20 years later, Houdry read about Haagy’s discovery of the cause-effect between cars and smog, and turned his talent to inventing a catalytic converter process, essentially undoing his catalytic cracker and scrubbing pollution from gasoline. Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026 Robert Kearns, a Michigan engineer, invented the intermittent windshield wiper in the 1960s. Ugo Troiano, Oc Register, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for invent

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of invent was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Invent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/invent. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

invent

verb
in·​vent in-ˈvent How to pronounce invent (audio)
1
: to think up : make up
invent an excuse
2
: to create or produce for the first time
invented a new game
inventor noun

Legal Definition

invent

transitive verb
in·​vent
: to create or produce for the first time
inventor noun

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