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Synonyms

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of charter member

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Under the draft charter, member states could serve three-year terms.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 20, 2026

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

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 ● May 16, 2024

His supporters included charter member and jazz giant Nat King Cole.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 22, 2024

Matt read the blurb under the picture: Esperanza Mendoza, the ex-wife of Senator Mendoza, is a charter member of the Anti-Slavery Society of California.

From "The House of the Scorpion" by Nancy Farmer

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