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

The threat to withhold back pay has angered federal employees, according to Axios which first reported on the memo, and prompted criticisms from both Republican and Democrat lawmakers who insist the government is legally obligated to compensate furloughed workers. —Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 8 Oct. 2025

The 100% cotton material is available in various colors, from light denim washes to black, and the jeans come in sizes SM-XXXL. —Laura Lu, Parents, 8 Oct. 2025

In addition, at least nine people from the America First Policy Institute have been hired in the department. —Megan O’Matz, ProPublica, 8 Oct. 2025

The platform has been heavily criticized over the last year by users who’ve said their smart home gadgets have been left to wither as Google moves away from Assistant and focuses on Gemini. —PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 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