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

Yes, Chrysler invented the minivan, but that was decades ago. —Chris Isidore, CNN, 5 Dec. 2024

Founded by brothers Max and Dave Fleischer, Max is immediately recognized for inventing the rotoscope, a technique where animators trace a projection of live-action footage frame by frame to produce realistic character movements. —Marc Berman, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

The Sarco was invented by Philip Nitschke, a leading global figure in right-to-die activism. —Afp, Fortune, 2 Dec. 2024

The evolution of reading as a hobby has invited companies to invent technology, such as eReaders and storytellers, to entertain not just through page-turning novels but also through audiobooks. —Gabriele Regalbuto, Fox News, 2 Dec. 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