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

Miami's Mario Cristobal served several roles at Alabama from assistant head coach to recruiting coordinator while being part of the 2015 championship that also included Lanning as a grad assistant. —Arkansas Online, 8 Jan. 2026

Just now 3 min The Dallas Stars will arrive at Capital One Arena mired in a six-game skid and fresh off a 6-3 drubbing from the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday. —Bailey Johnson, Washington Post, 8 Jan. 2026

But Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and other officials disputed the DHS claims, saying videos showed the woman driving away from agents, not aiming at them. —Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026

But Republicans have reaffirmed their support for ICE despite criticism from Democrats and the public over the killing. —Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 8 Jan. 2026

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