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

Currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign, the Blade Booster was invented by German inline skater/entrepreneur Marcel Frerichs. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 10 Feb. 2025

The Shirley Temple was invented at Chasen’s, for the then-underage actress. —Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2025

Get the recipe > The Original Nachos Legend has it that this iconic snack was invented at the Victory Club in the Mexican border town of Piedras Negras in 1943. —Saveur Editors, Saveur, 5 Feb. 2025

YouTube is the greatest medium for ads ever invented. —Zev Fima, CNBC, 5 Feb. 2025

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