charter member

noun

1. one of the original members or founders of a club, organization, etc.

charter member

noun

1. an original or founder member of a society or organization

Other Words From

• charter membership noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of charter member¹

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10

Example Sentences

No one would mistake Chris Christie for a charter member of the kumbaya caucus.

From The Daily Beast

Mr. Mohr became a charter member of the first Bakers' Union in 1889 and was its first presiding officer.

From Project Gutenberg

It is near a grove of plantains, on which the gorilla feasts with the gusto of a charter member of the Gourmand Club.

From Project Gutenberg

They were not quite up to clubs in those days, or she would have been a charter-member.

From Project Gutenberg

I'm eligible on both sides, an' me mother was a charter member.

From Project Gutenberg

At the institution of the present Wyandotte Tribe, No. 3, he became a charter member, and his honors were recognized.

From Project Gutenberg