originator
noun
orig·i·na·tor
ə-ˈri-jə-ˌnā-tər 
plural originators
: 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
Carol BlyExamples 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
Sandy Saldano, owner of Therapeutic Kneads, is the event coordinator and the originator of the event.
—Myrna Petlicki, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
Jordan stepped into the leading role on April 21 after originator Jonathan Groff departed and a short stint by Glee star Matthew Morrison.
—Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
Strip malls and data centers Vakoch's favorite early proponent of interstellar communication is Francis Galton, an English polymath (and, less admirably, the originator of eugenics during the Victorian era).
—Leonard David, Space.com, 23 Apr. 2026
In addition to your loan application, your mortgage loan originator and loan processor are going to ask you for a lot of documentation such as tax documents, paystubs and bank statements.
—Jeff Lazerson, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for originator
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.
Myrna Petlicki, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
Jordan stepped into the leading role on April 21 after originator Jonathan Groff departed and a short stint by Glee star Matthew Morrison.
—Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
Strip malls and data centers Vakoch's favorite early proponent of interstellar communication is Francis Galton, an English polymath (and, less admirably, the originator of eugenics during the Victorian era).
—Leonard David, Space.com, 23 Apr. 2026
In addition to your loan application, your mortgage loan originator and loan processor are going to ask you for a lot of documentation such as tax documents, paystubs and bank statements.
—Jeff Lazerson, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for originator
Cite this Entry
“Originator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/originator. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
