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 Word Forms

• charter membership noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of charter member¹

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10

Example Sentences

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

He and former Rep. Adam Kinsinger were on a phone call wherein they became charter members of the “Republicans for Harris” movement.

From Salon

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