originator

noun

orig·​i·​na·​tor ə-ˈri-jə-ˌnā-tər How to pronounce originator (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Thus, a move that might only be the province of one or two players can quickly catch on around the league, sometimes to the point that the originator barely gets a whiff of notice. John Hollinger, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025 The European male inventor has usually popped up in a Google search over the true originators who often came from North Africa or Southwest Asia, Iran, India, China or Southern Spain. Doris Bittar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025 His view is shared by India Headley, mortgage loan originator at UNMB Home Loans, Inc., who tells her clients to discover their buying power before building their wish list. Terri Williams, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024 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 See All Example Sentences for originator

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of originator was in 1785

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Cite this Entry

“Originator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/originator. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.

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