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

Synonyms

• contriver
• designer
• developer
• deviser
• formulator
• innovator
• introducer
• inventor

Examples 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

For once, the originator of the glazed donut nail trend has taken pity on us, forgoing an impossible design or finish that involves applying at least three types of polish. —Arancha Gamo, Glamour, 2 Feb. 2025

The originator of the claim later admitted to fabricating it. —Nate Trela, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2025

And as the idea has transformed from an obscure finding in the demography literature to a massive business venture, a once-productive collaboration between its originators has turned sour. —science.org, 21 Nov. 2024

In addition, biosimilar manufacturers may have to pay originator sponsors a royalty upon launch. —Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above