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

Read Benjamin Wallace-Wells on the man who invented the conflict over critical race theory and Jessica Winter on the conservative activists using attacks on diversity to wage a wider battle on public education. —Ian Crouch, The New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2025

Companies prey on insecurities, selling solutions to invented problems. —Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Jan. 2025

The film is inspired by Mattel’s popular toy vehicle line, which was invented in 1953 by automotive enthusiast Jack Odell. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025

This is a concept invented by the stat maven of the mid-20th century and beyond, Bud Goode. —Michael Salfino, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 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