invent

verb

in·​vent in-ˈvent 

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

in-ˈven-tər 

noun

inventress

in-ˈven-trəs 

noun

Synonyms

• concoct
• construct
• contrive
• cook (up)
• devise
• drum up
• excogitate
• fabricate
• make up
• manufacture
• think (up)
• trump up
• vamp (up)

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

Writing seems like a necessary technology that would naturally develop over time, but it was only invented independently — without knowledge of the existence of writing — a few times in world history, Ferrara said. —Ashley Strickland, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024

It was invented in 1985 by chef Ed LaDou, who first gained notoriety for his game-changing pizza combos at Wolfgang Puck's Spago restaurant in Los Angeles. —Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 5 Nov. 2024

The game was invented by software engineer Josh Wardle, who perfected Wordle during the COVID-19 lockdowns. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

This drink was apparently invented in Val-de-Travers in Switzerland over two centuries ago. —Tom Mullen, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024

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

Phrases Containing invent

• co-invent

Kids Definition

invent

verb

in·​vent in-ˈvent 

1

: to think up : make up

invent an excuse

2

: to create or produce for the first time

invented a new game

inventor

-ˈvent-ər 

noun

Legal Definition

invent

transitive verb

in·​vent

: to create or produce for the first time

inventor noun