Search Dictionary
Definition of originator

originator

/əˈrɪdʒɪneɪtər/
o · rig · i · na · tor
Plural:originators
•
Adjective:originative
JUMP TO:

originator Lexical Profile

originator Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who creates, initiates, or invents something new, such as an artistic style, an idea, or a movement.

Example

"She is widely recognized as the originator of the modern community garden movement in her city."

2

A financial institution or lender that processes a loan application and initially provides the funds to a borrower, especially in mortgage lending.

Example

"The mortgage originator reviewed the applicant's credit history before approving the home loan."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for originator
Antonyms
View all antonyms for originator

• Nearby Words

originally
originate
origination
originator
orinoco
orinoco crocodile
oriole

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 18th century, formed from the verb 'originate' plus the agentive suffix '-or', ultimately tracing back to the Latin 'origo' ('beginning, birth, or source'), from 'oriri' ('to rise').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Originator. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/originator
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.