invent

verb

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

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.
The iconic sports drink was invented at the University of Florida’s College of Medicine in 1965. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 19 Jan. 2025 Biden didn't invent that approach, Turner said—the rhetoric and framing from this White House largely matches that from Barack Obama's—but Biden delivered on growth and jobs in the clean tech sector in ways that previous administrations did not. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025 In the 1970s, Martha Goddard invented the rape kit. Sheila McClear, The Atlantic, 16 Jan. 2025 Air-conditioning, invented in the early twentieth century, allowed the indoor theaters that nurtured the famed Egyptian cinema industry and encouraged the development of the oil industry that fueled mechanical cooling in the scorching Arabian Peninsula. Foreign Affairs, 14 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near invent

Cite this Entry

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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