innovate
Americanverb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
-
to introduce (something new) for or as if for the first time.
to innovate a computer operating system.
-
Archaic. to alter.
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of innovate
First recorded in 1540–50; from Latin innovātus, past participle of innovāre “to renew, alter,” equivalent to in- intensive prefix + novātus, past participle of novā(re) “to renew,” verbal derivative of novus “new” + -tus past participle suffix); see in- 2, new
Explanation
Innovate means to bring something new to something. If you love cranberry seltzers, you might innovate by adding limeade or by making the drink with cran-raspberry juice instead. In our culture obsessed with finding the next new thing, the word innovate is very popular––behind every "new and improved" label slapped onto the packaging of some perfectly useful product is some eager beaver buried in the ranks of a company, scheming ways to innovate.
Vocabulary lists containing innovate
A Résumé of Active Words
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Academic Vocabulary, Units 4–6
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Chirp
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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.
“We always want to innovate and test. That’s something that was exciting to us to think about bringing our audience new content in different places.”
From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2026
"The industry has to innovate and leapfrog, and not just copy and paste China," he said.
From Barron's • May 13, 2026
So what do we lose, then, when we try to innovate our way around it?
From Slate • Apr. 23, 2026
Laguarta noted the macroeconomic environment has become more volatile and uncertain but said the company will “focus on controlling what we can,” including continuing to innovate and build its brands.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026
How innovate when versifying for a society about to end?
From A Literary History of the English People From the Origins to the Renaissance by Jusserand, Jean Jules
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.
