invent

verb

in·vent | \ in-ˈvent

invented; inventing; invents

Definition of invent

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

Other Words from invent Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about invent

Keep scrolling for more

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

Plastic was invented in 1907 and was considered a major breakthrough. — Cheryl Conley, Houston Chronicle, "CHERYL CONLEY: The plastic plight weighs on all of us," 9 Aug. 2019 Great hitters have been first-pitch attackers since the game was invented, knowing that first delivery might be the most appealing of the at-bat. — Bruce Jenkins, SFChronicle.com, "Warriors exhibitions: Why so many against the Lakers?," 9 Aug. 2019 How to use the Bialetti Moka Express The Bialetti Moka Express was invented in Italy almost 90 years ago by Italian engineer Alfonso Bialetti, and the coffee maker’s metallic body has barely changed since that first model. — Laurie Jennings, Good Housekeeping, "This Coffee Maker Saves Me $3,500 a Year," 2 Aug. 2019 Beer wasn’t invented by some dude in a flannel shirt tinkering with hops levels, but likely about 10,000 years ago by some Mesopotamian who unthinkingly left out his soupy porridge in the Sinai sun. — Bill St. John, The Denver Post, "How to manage food mishaps in the kitchen," 31 July 2019 The technology was invented for military use, but was first applied widely by meteorologists intent on studying clouds. — Erin Blakemore, National Geographic, "Lasers are driving a revolution in archaeology," 29 July 2019 As related by director Richard Ladkani in this purposeful, impressive work, a twist of chance even a top suspense novelist couldn’t invent fatally intertwines the destinies of two species of fish with very particular qualities. — Kenneth Turan, Twin Cities, "Eco-crisis documentary ‘Sea of Shadows’ lives up to its sinister title," 25 July 2019 As related by director Richard Ladkani in this purposeful, impressive work, a twist of chance even a top suspense novelist couldn’t invent fatally intertwines the destinies of two species of fish with very particular qualities. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Review: Eco-crisis documentary ‘Sea of Shadows’ lives up to its sinister title," 25 July 2019 For decades, the refreshing drink was believed to have been invented in St. Louis at the World’s Fair in 1904. — Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, "This Charming South Carolina Town is Known as The Birthplace of Sweet Tea," 21 June 2019

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.