outsource

verb

out·​source ˈau̇t-ˌsȯrs 

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

The department has worked out agreements with other agencies to outsource many of its functions elsewhere within the federal government. —Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 18 Nov. 2025

While many celebrities outsource the work of bringing holiday cheer to their sprawling estates—showing off towering Christmas trees and colorful décor dreamed up by interior designers and stylists—former NBA champion and MVP Dwyane Wade is hands-on. —Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 14 Nov. 2025

Delegate dishes so the menu is a potluck, or outsource to a local restaurant, grocer, or caterer. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Nov. 2025

One is for home chefs, and the other is for people looking to outsource cooking. —Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1979, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for outsource

• concourse
• divorce
• endorse
• enforce
• indorse
• midcourse
• perforce
• racecourse
• racehorse
• remorse
• seahorse
• workforce