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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

inventor

ihn-VEHN-tuh

Inventor (noun) means a person who creates or designs something new. Example: “Thomas Edison is remembered as one of history's greatest inventors.”

noun
1
A person who creates or designs something new.
"Thomas Edison is remembered as one of history's greatest inventors."

How to use inventor

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who invents things.

Common pairings
brilliant inventor the inventor of

Word forms

inventors plural

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Can you complete this real example?

Thomas Edison is remembered as one of history's greatest _____.

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin inventor.

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for inventor

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Frequently asked questions

What does “inventor” mean?

The word “inventor” means a person who creates or designs something new. In plain terms, someone who invents things.

How do you pronounce “inventor”?

“Inventor” is pronounced ihn-VEHN-tuh (/ɪnˈvɛntɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “inventor” in a sentence?

Here is “inventor” used in a sentence: “Thomas Edison is remembered as one of history's greatest inventors.”

What part of speech is “inventor”?

“Inventor” is a noun.

Where does the word “inventor” come from?

The word “inventor” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Latin inventor.

Is “inventor” a common word?

“Inventor” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

What is the difference between an inventor and an engineer?

An inventor is someone who creates or designs something new that did not previously exist, focusing on originating an idea or device. An engineer applies scientific and technical principles to design, build, or improve systems, and may or may not create something entirely new; many inventors are also engineers, but the terms describe different roles.

Do you need a patent to be called an inventor?

No, being called an inventor simply requires creating or designing something new; a patent is a legal recognition of an invention's originality and ownership, not a requirement for the title. Many inventors create things without ever seeking a patent.

Can inventor refer to someone who invents non-physical things?

Yes, inventor can describe someone who creates a new process, method, game, or system, not just a physical device, since the core idea is designing something new that didn't exist before.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial