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

On May 28, Longview Fire Department Chief Brad Hannig said responders recovered six bodies from inside the facility. —Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 29 May 2026

The retailer is brimming with chic, travel-ready finds that make packing for warm-weather getaways feel effortless and stylish, from breezy linen pants and figure-flattering sundresses to comfortable sandals and even spacious suitcases, all up to 70 percent off. —Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2026

The flavor can be affected by oxidation from air exposure, extreme or repeated temperature variations, and whether the bottle is stored vertically or horizontally. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 29 May 2026

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. —Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 29 May 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