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
The new locale expands the options while keeping the menu concise, introducing dishes that have nothing to do with dough and everything to do with the emotional connection had by their originators.
—Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 14 Jan. 2026
Some people even shared old photos of Indigenous peoples wearing the hoods, noting that the originators of the design kept the fur outward to break cold wind and trap snow.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Its owners expanded to a new downtown outpost, and later closed the Monterey Park originator.
—Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2025
These points are the compensation paid to a mortgage loan originator or MLO.
—Jeff Lazerson, Oc Register, 4 Dec. 2025
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.
Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 14 Jan. 2026
Some people even shared old photos of Indigenous peoples wearing the hoods, noting that the originators of the design kept the fur outward to break cold wind and trap snow.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Its owners expanded to a new downtown outpost, and later closed the Monterey Park originator.
—Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2025
These points are the compensation paid to a mortgage loan originator or MLO.
—Jeff Lazerson, Oc Register, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for originator
Cite this Entry
“Originator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/originator. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
