origin

noun

or·​i·​gin ˈȯr-ə-jən 

ˈär-

1

: ancestry, parentage

was of humble origin

She is of French origin.

2

a

: rise, beginning, or derivation from a source

the origin of life on earth

The word "algebra" is of Arabic origin.

b

: the point at which something begins or rises or from which it derives

the origin of the custom

a game of recent origin

also : something that creates, causes, or gives rise to another

a spring is the origin of the brook

3

: the more fixed, central, or larger attachment of a muscle

4

: the intersection of coordinate axes

Synonyms of origin

• source
• cradle

Choose the Right Synonym for origin

origin, source, inception, root mean the point at which something begins its course or existence.

origin applies to the things or persons from which something is ultimately derived and often to the causes operating before the thing itself comes into being.

an investigation into the origin of baseball

source applies more often to the point where something springs into being.

the source of the Nile

the source of recurrent trouble

inception stresses the beginning of something without implying causes.

the business has been a success since its inception

root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned.

the real root of the violence

Examples of origin in a Sentence

Her ethnic origins are French.

the origins of human language remain a matter of considerable debate

Recent Examples on the Web

The order directs federal agencies to look for ways to strengthen the ranching industry, study whether beef should be required to carry country-of-origin labels and take steps intended to help lower prices for consumers. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026

Target an airline and airport known for deals Your choice of carrier, airport of origin, and destination can all play a major part in the final cost of your airfare. — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026

Prosecutors allege the vehicles were purchased as part of an effort to disguise the origin of money generated through human trafficking. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026

The importance of making to the human spirit is baked into the Ranch’s origin story. — Sarah Douglas, ARTnews.com, 4 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English origine, from Latin origin-, origo, from oriri to rise — more at orient entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing origin

• country of origin
• have one's origin
• in origin
• of humble origin(s)
• of recent origin
• of unknown origin
• place of origin
• point of origin

Rhymes for origin

• orogen

Kids Definition

origin

noun

or·​i·​gin ˈȯr-ə-jən 

ˈär-

1

: ancestry sense 1, parentage

2

a

: a rising, beginning, or coming from a source

b

: basic source or cause

3

: the intersection of the x-axis and y-axis on a graph

Etymology

Middle English origine "ancestry," from Latin origin-, origo, from oriri "to rise" — related to aborigine, orient see Word History at orient

Medical Definition

origin

noun

or·​i·​gin ˈȯr-ə-jən, ˈär- 

1

: the point at which something begins or rises or from which it derives

2

: the more fixed, central, or larger attachment of a muscle compare insertion sense 1