originator

noun

orig·​i·​na·​tor ə-ˈri-jə-ˌnā-tər How to pronounce originator (audio)
plural originators
Synonyms of originatornext
: someone or something that originates or gives rise to something
the originator of the idea/theory
a technique named after its originator
Persia was the originator of melons, cucumbers, and pears.Carol Bly

Examples of originator in a Sentence

Thomas Edison was the originator of the light bulb Copernicus is sometimes hailed as the originator of modern astronomy, for he overturned the notion of an earth-centered universe
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.
Its owners expanded to a new downtown outpost, and later closed the Monterey Park originator. Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2025 While rizz evidently gained mass popularity through social media, its impact began with streamer Cenat, who is largely considered to be the originator of the term. Yasmeen Hamadeh, PEOPLE, 27 Dec. 2025 These points are the compensation paid to a mortgage loan originator or MLO. Jeff Lazerson, Oc Register, 4 Dec. 2025 Few if any of the originators attend now that the Santas are less social pariahs and law breakers and more fraternity brothers and junior bankers. Chuck Palahniuk, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for originator

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of originator was in 1785

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Cite this Entry

“Originator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/originator. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

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