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

Nwodim's act will come as part of Lincoln Center Theater's The Comedy Series, which will also feature works from Jerrod Carmichael, Vir Das, and Sam Jay throughout the remainder of 2025. —Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Oct. 2025

But with so much of that renewable generating technology also imported from a single country, there is a risk that one strategic geopolitical vulnerability is simply replaced with another. —Andrew Saunders, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025

He could also be seen nodding his approval after the dance — and earning a thunderous round of excited shouts from the audience. —Stephanie Wenger, PEOPLE, 15 Oct. 2025

Both Democrats and Republicans have denounced the chat messages and called for those responsible to step down from party positions. —Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 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