origin

noun

or·​i·​gin ˈȯr-ə-jən How to pronounce origin (audio)
ˈär-
1
: ancestry, parentage
was of humble origin
She is of French origin.
2
a
: rise, beginning, or derivation from a source
the origin of life on Earth
The word "algebra" is of Arabic origin.
b
: the point at which something begins or rises or from which it derives
the origin of the custom
also : something that creates, causes, or gives rise to another
a spring is the origin of the brook
3
: the more fixed, central, or larger attachment of a muscle
4
: the intersection of coordinate axes
Choose the Right Synonym for origin

origin, source, inception, root mean the point at which something begins its course or existence.

origin applies to the things or persons from which something is ultimately derived and often to the causes operating before the thing itself comes into being.

an investigation into the origin of baseball

source applies more often to the point where something springs into being.

the source of the Nile
the source of recurrent trouble

inception stresses the beginning of something without implying causes.

the business has been a success since its inception

root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned.

the real root of the violence

Examples of origin in a Sentence

Her ethnic origins are French. the origins of human language remain a matter of considerable debate
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For many New Yorkers of Mexican origin, seeing the Cuauhtémoc sail into our harbor was a proud and emotional moment. Eric Adams, New York Daily News, 22 May 2025 Michelle Williams is a solid second, receiving some keen support from the panel, but Milioti’s rising crime boss with a brutal origin story has stolen the BuzzMeter’s heart. Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025 The countries of origin vary Attorneys for the migrants told the judge that immigration authorities may have sent as many as a dozen people from several countries to Africa. Lindsay Whitehurst, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025 No examples were provided by Lowe’s executives as to how the company is diversifying the countries of origin for its products. Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for origin

Word History

Etymology

Middle English origine, from Latin origin-, origo, from oriri to rise — more at orient entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of origin was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Origin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/origin. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

origin

noun
or·​i·​gin ˈȯr-ə-jən How to pronounce origin (audio)
ˈär-
1
2
a
: a rising, beginning, or coming from a source
b
: basic source or cause
3
: the intersection of the x-axis and y-axis on a graph
Etymology

Middle English origine "ancestry," from Latin origin-, origo, from oriri "to rise" — related to aborigine, orient see Word History at orient

Medical Definition

origin

noun
or·​i·​gin ˈȯr-ə-jən, ˈär- How to pronounce origin (audio)
1
: the point at which something begins or rises or from which it derives
2
: the more fixed, central, or larger attachment of a muscle compare insertion sense 1

More from Merriam-Webster on origin

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