originator

noun

orig·​i·​na·​tor ə-ˈri-jə-ˌnā-tər How to pronounce originator (audio)
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

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.
MacAskill was one of the originators of the now somewhat beleaguered Effective Altruism movement, which had its roots in Peter Singer’s ideas about the moral imperative for giving. Ben Brooks july 17, Literary Hub, 17 July 2025 The lineup includes one of the originators of the sound, Rory Stone Love, and South Florida mixer King Waggy Tee, along with British DJ David Rodigan, Jah Works (Japan) and Dynamq (South Sudan). Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 16 July 2025 Therefore, attributing a financial value to an origin, recognising that a person, in a place, is an originator and thus deserves to be recognised - financially or otherwise - is being downgraded as server capacity has been upgraded. Shain Shapiro, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 Indeed, in a statement, Warner Bros. Discovery film chiefs Michael DeLuca and Pam Abdy note that the original film was an originator in Hollywood technology. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 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 24 Jul. 2025.

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