charter member

American  

noun

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

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charter member British  

noun

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

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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 • Dec. 17, 2025

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 • May 27, 2025

Nat King Cole had agreed to be a charter member.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2024

Washington was a charter member of the Pacific Coast Conference in 1916, the organization that eventually became the Pac-8, then 10, then 12.

From Washington Times • Aug. 4, 2023

"I'm already part of this family. I'm like a charter member."

From "Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell