1
: from this place : away
Was that my father that went hence so fast?—
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare2
a
archaic
: henceforth
b
: from this time
four years hence
3
4
: from this source or origin
see also:
Examples of hence in a Sentence
Resource-rich countries don't need to levy taxes, so there is little pressure for government accountability, and hence fewer checks and balances.
—Niall Ferguson, New York Times Book Review, 1 July 2007
Panforte—a cross between a cake and a candy—is a classic Italian Christmas treat. It's a very dense, rich confection loaded with nuts, dried fruit, and spices (hence its name, which means "strong bread").
—Gourmet, December 2002
Common sense told the YA librarian that if ever she hoped to be successful with her clients, she would have to offset the prevailing attitude of most of the staff. Through determination and patience, she soon established herself as confidante, friend, and advisor to large numbers of middle and high school students. Hence, it was not surprising when she was approached one day by a young man and young woman with a request.
—A. J. Anderson, Library Journal, 1 May 1994
He knew he could not win the election—hence his decision to withdraw.
The company lost a great deal of money. Hence, the CEO was asked to resign.
What will life be like a century hence?
Niall Ferguson, New York Times Book Review, 1 July 2007
Panforte—a cross between a cake and a candy—is a classic Italian Christmas treat. It's a very dense, rich confection loaded with nuts, dried fruit, and spices (hence its name, which means "strong bread").
—Gourmet, December 2002
Common sense told the YA librarian that if ever she hoped to be successful with her clients, she would have to offset the prevailing attitude of most of the staff. Through determination and patience, she soon established herself as confidante, friend, and advisor to large numbers of middle and high school students. Hence, it was not surprising when she was approached one day by a young man and young woman with a request.
—A. J. Anderson, Library Journal, 1 May 1994
He knew he could not win the election—hence his decision to withdraw.
The company lost a great deal of money. Hence, the CEO was asked to resign.
What will life be like a century hence?
Recent Examples on the Web
Inspired by the traditional Japanese spinning top beigoma (hence BEY-blade), the toy line first became a hit when it was debuted by toymaker Takara in the late 90s and early 2000s.
—Chris Lau, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
The one-time charm school (hence the name) turned inn now offers a stylish adults-only getaway just minutes from Ocean Edge Resort.
—Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 23 June 2026
Cheetah hunts nearly always involve not just a pursuit but also a series of evasions, and hence hunting dynamics are greatly influenced by the behavior of differently sized prey.
—Literary Hub, 22 June 2026
While media watchers may be aware of the FCC proceedings, many typical TV viewers may not be, hence the public campaign.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for hence
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Chris Lau, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
The one-time charm school (hence the name) turned inn now offers a stylish adults-only getaway just minutes from Ocean Edge Resort.
—Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 23 June 2026
Cheetah hunts nearly always involve not just a pursuit but also a series of evasions, and hence hunting dynamics are greatly influenced by the behavior of differently sized prey.
—Literary Hub, 22 June 2026
While media watchers may be aware of the FCC proceedings, many typical TV viewers may not be, hence the public campaign.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for hence
Cite this Entry
“Hence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hence. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hence
adverb1
: from this place or time
a week hence
2
: consequently, therefore
was a newcomer and hence had no close friends in the city
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