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.
Under his leadership, UKTV transformed from lifestyle originator to multi-genre commissioning powerhouse, nearly tripling spend and programming hours. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 July 2025 Today, they’re considered all-time greats, geniuses of melody and tension and originators of the diffident, philosophical mode that came to dominate American guitar rock in the new century. Armin Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 6 June 2025 On its current trajectory, the surest promise that generative AI offers is not creating new originators, but massively scaling up the production of derivative art. Sheldon Pearce, NPR, 17 June 2025 The originators of the China shock theory examined how Chinese imports affected certain U.S. locales compared with others, not with the entire country, based on initial industry composition and employment size. Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 5 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Originator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/originator. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on originator

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!