from

preposition

ˈfrəm 

ˈfräm,

 also  fəm

1

a

—used as a function word to indicate a starting point of a physical movement or a starting point in measuring or reckoning or in a statement of limits

came here from the city

a week from today

cost from $5 to $10

b

—used as a function word to indicate the starting or focal point of an activity

called me from a pay phone

ran a business from her home

2

—used as a function word to indicate physical separation or an act or condition of removal, abstention, exclusion, release, subtraction, or differentiation

protection from the sun

relief from anxiety

3

—used as a function word to indicate the source, cause, agent, or basis

we conclude from this

a call from my lawyer

inherited a love of music from his father

worked hard from necessity

Examples of from in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In corporate news, Spanish lender Sabadell’s hostile takeover bid from domestic peer BBVA was accepted by a key board member on Tuesday. —Tasmin Lockwood,chloe Taylor, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025

Chemical reactions involving the hematite can turn the rock from red to white and produce iron rich minerals, in this case an iron phosphate called vivianite and an iron sulfide called greigite. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 1 Oct. 2025

Despite A'ja Wilson scoring 31 points, Vegas couldn't get enough from the rest of the team and lost 90-83. —Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025

Code Four, the air show’s operator, has partnered with the aviation company Maverick Helicopters to provide passenger service to and from Surf City for the first time in the event’s nine-year history. —Claire Wang, Oc Register, 20 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English from, fram; akin to Old High German fram, adverb, forth, away, Old English faran to go — more at fare

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for from

• bum
• chum
• come
• crum
• cum
• drum
• dum
• dumb
• frum
• glum
• gum
• hum

Kids Definition

from

preposition

(ˈ)frəm 

ˈfräm

1

—used to show a starting or central point

came here from the city

a letter from home

ran a business from home

2

—used to show removal or separation

the dictator fell from power

subtract 3 from 9

far from safe

3

—used to show a material, source, or cause

a doll made from rags

reading aloud from a book

suffering from a cold