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
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With this influence came the music of the future, which helped rebuild a city from the (damage of the) Detroit riots into a metropolis that draws people from all over the world to hear the music from the originators, every year, at the Movement Festival. Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2025 Their worldwide reputation is linked to violence, although its originators renounced brutal attacks in the 1970s and earned popular support by providing social services such as pharmacies, hospitals and schools, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 4 June 2025 Biosimilars are very close in molecular structure and function to their referenced, brand name originator biologic medicines. Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025 Role originator Mandy Patinkin was a perfect fit for the part, both in his razor-sharp vocal performance and in his eccentric artistic sensibility. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 May 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 19 Jun. 2025.

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