innovator

American  

[in-uh-vey-ter] / ˈɪn əˌveɪ tər /

noun

1. a person or group that introduces something new or does something for the first time.

   He is a true pioneer and innovator who always pushes the boundaries and follows his visions.

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Etymology

Origin of innovator

First recorded in 1590–1600; Late Latin innovātor, equivalent to Latin innovāt(us) + -or -or ² ( def. ); see innovate ( def. )

Explanation

Innovators innovate — that is, they create new ideas or ways of doing things. The Wright brothers were the ultimate innovators: they were the first to fly. The Unites States has a reputation as a country of innovators because, for generations, many of the world's most exciting new ideas came from its people and companies. Alexander Graham Bell, Henry Ford, Mark Zuckerberg: these are just three of the innovators who pioneered whole new technologies and industries. No one had thought the way they did before. Anyone who blazes a trail into new territory can be an innovator — athletes, artists, business people, and chefs, to name just a few.

Example Sentences

“There is still a lot of money going into bonds and money market funds. People are fearful,” said Graham Day, president of Innovator ETFs.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

Goldman recently acquired Innovator Capital Management, a provider of defined outcome ETFs such as the Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

Innovator has about $33 billion in assets under management in 160 exchange-traded funds.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

Innovator offers a series of ETFs that have 15% buffers for exposure to the S&P 500 or other stock indexes over one-year time frames.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

In his study of that old book of divinity which he calls the book of God's Power this Modern Innovator has found the scientific version of that inspired command 'Be ye therefore perfect.'

From The Philosophy of the Plays of Shakspere Unfolded by Bacon, Delia