invent
/ɪnˈvɛnt/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: invents · inventing
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To design a new process or mechanism.
Verb
Examples
After weeks of hard work, I invented a new way to alphabetize matchbooks.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To create something fictional for a particular purpose.
Verb
Examples
I knew I had to invent an excuse, and quickly.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “invent” mean?
To design a new process or mechanism.
Is “invent” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.