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

The Aruba Ariba, the island's signature cocktail, was invented here, and staff still pour it at Sunset Bar under live music and palm trees. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026

Motorola invented the mobile phone, but by the time Brown was handed the reins, its cellphone business had been outpaced by Nokia and Samsung. — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 25 Sep. 2026

The château is itself a work of art, something strange that Louis XIV invented to transform people, including diplomatically. — Ben Croll, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026

Ill-advisedly, Wladyka introduces imaginary sequences in which Haru invents dance numbers out of ordinary situations. — Los Angeles Times, 25 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