outsource

verb

out·​source ˈau̇t-ˌsȯrs How to pronounce outsource (audio)
outsourced; outsourcing; outsources

transitive + intransitive

: to procure (something, such as some goods or services needed by a business or organization) from outside sources and especially from foreign or nonunion suppliers : to contract for work, jobs, etc., to be done by outside or foreign workers
decided to outsource some back-office operations
Some services and aspects of production were outsourced to cut costs.
Firms outsource to capitalize on their strengths while minimizing business activities that are not core functions.John K. Borchardt
compare insource

Examples of outsource in a Sentence

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.
Bailey said the city should return to 2015 staffing levels and try to outsource many services to the private sector. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026 The problems during the latest shutdown are renewing attention to ways to prevent airport security operations from being slowed during political impasses, including allowing more airports to outsource security screening while maintaining TSA oversight. John Seewer, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026 Today, for reasons that make economic sense, many companies and organizations outsource all four to the same handful of providers. Doug Jacobson, The Conversation, 10 Mar. 2026 Too many founders outsource the hard part and hope capital fills the gap. Ravin Gandhi, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outsource

Word History

First Known Use

1979, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of outsource was in 1979

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outsource.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outsource. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on outsource

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster