imaginative
Americanadjective
-
characterized by or bearing evidence of imagination.
an imaginative tale.
-
of, relating to, or concerned with imagination.
-
given to imagining, as persons.
-
having exceptional powers of imagination.
-
lacking truth; fanciful.
adjective
-
produced by or indicative of a vivid or creative imagination
an imaginative story
-
having a vivid imagination
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of imaginative
1350–1400; Middle English < Medieval Latin imāginātīvus imaginary, imaginative, equivalent to Latin imāgināt ( us ) imagined ( see imagination) + -īvus -ive; replacing Middle English imaginatif < Middle French < Medieval Latin, as above
Explanation
To be imaginative is to be inventive and original. If you enjoy coming up with stories, writing songs, or just thinking about things in new ways, you’re an imaginative person. Great painters, musicians, and writers are imaginative. However, being imaginative isn’t just limited to the arts. When you're imaginative, you can develop a unique solution to a problem or issue. For example, an imaginative engineer might develop a new, more efficient way to construct a bridge. An idea or object that’s fresh and original — like that bridge the engineer designed — can also be described as imaginative.
Vocabulary lists containing imaginative
TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Literary Terms, Part I
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Writing - Middle School
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
If you keep hearing that your organization seeks “quick, agile, imaginative, technically proficient” staffers, that’s a potential red flag.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026
Sharon also happened to have been the assistant of Achim Freyer, who staged Los Angeles Opera’s uniquely imaginative “Ring” in 2010.
From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026
Their low cost of entry and imaginative wagering options attract many who might not consider more conventional investing platforms.
From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026
It has been designed to encourage pre-schoolers to talk to it and carry out imaginative play.
From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026
“What imaginative pupils you have! Would you like a wreath? We made extra.”
From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood
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.
