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

• 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

This guy [William Webb Ellis] invented rugby by picking up the ball and demonstrating a fine disregard for the rules of football. —Marta Balaga, Variety, 8 Aug. 2025

Advertisement To open each safe deposit box in the vault, the thieves invented a device that hooks into the keyhole and then uses leverage to bend the deadbolt so the door pops open. —Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 8 Aug. 2025

In the 1920s, a Soviet aviation group invented their own sort of superhero: Egor Poddevkin, the dashing pilot. —Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 8 Aug. 2025

Bud Billiken, the page’s fictional editor/mascot described as the guardian and protector of children, was invented by Abbott and the Defender’s executive editor, Lucius Harper. —Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2025

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