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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

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

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