invent

verb

in·​vent in-ˈvent How to pronounce invent (audio)
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 noun
inventress noun

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
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.
The flying balloon had only been invented a couple years before, by French brothers Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Jan. 2025 As the political scientist Jeffrey Ding has shown, the dynamic U.S. system has consistently gained more from new technologies than even the countries that invented them. Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025 Altman, of course, is talking about yet another level: super-intelligent AI that can conduct research, create new fields of knowledge, and invent entirely new things, possibly with — but possibly without — an ongoing input and partnership with humans. John Koetsier, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025 Furiosa star Taylor-Joy’s gown pairs with the pink frock Kudrow, 61, wore as unemployed space-case Michele, while Paper Towns star Delevingne twinned with Sorvino, 57, whose Remy decides to impress her classmates by claiming to have invented Post-its with no help from her dear friend Michele. EW.com, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for invent 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of invent was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near invent

Cite this Entry

“Invent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/invent. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

invent

verb
in·​vent in-ˈvent How to pronounce invent (audio)
1
: to think up : make up
invent an excuse
2
: to create or produce for the first time
invented a new game
inventor noun

Legal Definition

invent

transitive verb
in·​vent
: to create or produce for the first time
inventor noun

More from Merriam-Webster on invent

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