noun

innovator

IN-uh-vay-ter/ˈɪnəveɪtər/

A person who introduces new ideas, methods, or products.

The innovator demonstrates a pedal-powered water pump to a neighbor.

An inventor demonstrates a newly created pedal-powered water pump to a neighbor, foot pedal connected by visible linkage to piston and spout delivering water into a bucket.

Etymology

inLatininto

+novLatinnew

+atorLatinperson who acts

The pieces center on making something new. The underlying verb meant “renew, restore,” as well as “change,” so an innovator is someone who introduces changes.

In context

Yaron Brook63:13

the motor is the entrepreneur, the businessman, the innovator, the person with a new idea

History Lessons - In Defense of Financial Markets, Part 2 of 7 (Audio Only)

More examples

She is an innovator who develops affordable medical tools.
The company encourages innovators to test new ways of reducing waste.
As an innovator in teaching, he introduces lessons built around student questions.

Forms

innovator · innovators

innovate verb — To introduce new ideas, methods, or products.

innovation noun — A new idea, method, or product.

Similar words

inventor: Creates new devices or processes, rather than simply introducing changes.
pioneer: Is among the first to develop or explore a field.