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

They were not built for a group that invents its own vocabulary, drafts its own security protocols, and revises its own history when the record becomes inconvenient. — Michael Morris, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026

McGill, who invented the McTwist, is well known for his place in skateboarding’s Bones Brigade era. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026

The brand invented its own Transformation Backstage freestanding area, in Paris’ 11th arrondissement, where celebrities and influencers are getting their hair done. — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026

The pincher has invented a device that can pull a huge amount of electricity. — Los Angeles Times, 29 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