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

Synonyms

• inventor
• designer
• creator
• founder

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

Basis swaps remain the first line of defence, but many agreements now incorporate automatic FX-pass-through clauses that allow originators to re-price loans if exchange rates move beyond a preset band. —Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025

Bee’s comments on the Late Show cancellation follow a show of support from Colbert’s fellow current late-night hosts and Late Show originator David Letterman blasting CBS and Paramount for the decision. —Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2025

The originator of Meredith Blake in the 1998 Nancy Meyers movie is producing Kevin Zak's off-Broadway parody Ginger Twinsies, which simultaneously spoofs and honors the Disney film. —Madeleine Janz, People.com, 18 July 2025

Sometimes, the originator and servicer are one and the same. —Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 26 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for originator

• accelerator
• accumulator
• adjudicator
• administrator
• appropriator
• articulator
• attenuator
• bronchodilator
• collaborator
• communicator
• conciliator
• cooperator