founder

found-er · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A person who establishes an institution, organization, or settlement.

  2. 2.

    (Verb) To fill with water and sink (of a ship).

  3. 3.

    (Verb) To fail completely, especially due to a particular difficulty.

Forms

plural: founders

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    founding father/founder — an originator of an institution or movement
  • •
    founder member — an original member of an organization

Related words

See also: found, foundation, founded, founding
Synonyms: creator, establisher, initiator, originator

Etymology

As a noun, from Latin fundare ("to found, establish") via Old French fondeur. As a verb meaning to sink, from Old French fondrer ("to submerge, collapse").