charter member
Americannoun
noun
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.
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
His supporters included charter member and jazz giant Nat King Cole.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 22, 2024
The steal did more than make Acuña the game’s charter member of the 40-70 club.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 4, 2023
"I'm already part of this family. I'm like a charter member."
From "Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell
![]()
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.