invent

verb

in·​vent in-ˈvent How to pronounce invent (audio)
invented; inventing; invents
Synonyms of inventnext

transitive verb

1
: to produce (something, such as a useful device or process) for the first time through the use of the imagination or of ingenious thinking and experiment
2
: to devise by thinking : fabricate
3
archaic : find, discover
inventor noun
inventress noun

Examples of invent in a Sentence

Thomas Edison invented the phonograph. She is credited with inventing a procedure that has helped to save thousands of lives. She invented a clever excuse. We found out that he had invented the stories he told us about his military service.
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.
In the ensuing decades, the Hall brothers invented modern wrapping paper, struck partnerships with Disney and artist Norman Rockwell, and hosted some radio shows before wading deeper into showbiz. Molly Liebergall, Fortune, 22 Dec. 2025 Still, language is by far the most fascinating thing humans have invented. Louis Menand, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025 The video for Group 7 went the most viral, thus inventing the internet's special circle that everyone from brands to sports teams has weighed in on. Melina Khan, USA Today, 21 Dec. 2025 Also sometimes referred to as a top coat, which is primarily meant to add shine and an extra protective layer to your nails, it was not necessarily invented to be a handy household fixer—like, say, how Vaseline was. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 21 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for invent

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin inventus, past participle of invenire to come upon, find, from in- + venire to come — more at come

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of invent was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Invent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/invent. Accessed 23 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

invent

verb
in·​vent in-ˈvent How to pronounce invent (audio)
1
: to think up : make up
invent an excuse
2
: to create or produce for the first time
invented a new game
inventor noun

Legal Definition

invent

transitive verb
in·​vent
: to create or produce for the first time
inventor noun

More from Merriam-Webster on invent

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