charter member

American  

noun

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

---

charter member British  

noun

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

---

Other Word Forms

• charter membership noun

Etymology

Origin of charter member

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10

Example Sentences

It was only a matter of time before Diogenes, a charter member of the Cynic movement that began in the fourth century B.C., got his turn.

From The Wall Street Journal

Of course, Benmont Tench III is most well-known for being the guy sitting over Tom Petty’s right shoulder as a charter member of the Heartbreakers, rocking away at the Hammond B3 organ.

From Salon

The Golden State Valkyries made their first road trip to Southern California on Friday to face the Sparks in a matchup between one of the league’s charter members and its newest team.

From Los Angeles Times

Kaufman and Gronich met at NYU, and when he was founding Tectonic Theater Project she became a “proud early charter member.”

From Los Angeles Times

In the ACC, where UNC is a charter member, Florida State and Clemson are engaged in a legal fight to leave the conference and explore lucrative moves elsewhere.

From Seattle Times