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

Tottenham Hotspur — charter member of the Premier League, owner of a state-of-the-art stadium, and one of the world’s highest earning clubs — is deep in a relegation fight.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 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

Whereas Ohtani is the charter member of the 50/50 club, ElAttrache could become the first surgeon in the four-for-four club.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 27, 2024

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

Adams was fully prepared to include Jefferson as a charter member of the natural aristocracy that made and then secured the American Revolution.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis