source

noun \ ˈsȯrs \

Updated on: 16 Apr 2018

Definition of source

1 a : a generative force : cause

b (1) : a point of origin or procurement : beginning

(2) : one that initiates : author; also : prototype, model

(3) : one that supplies information

2 a : the point of origin of a stream of water : fountainhead

b archaic : spring, fount

3 : a firsthand document or primary reference work

4 : an electrode in a field-effect transistor that supplies the charge carriers for current flow — compare drain, gate

—

sourceless

play \ˈsȯrs-ləs\ adjective

See source defined for English-language learners

See source defined for kids

Examples of source in a Sentence

The college had its own power source.
She has been a great source of strength to me.
His job is the family's main source of income.
A government source spoke to the press today.
The reporter has refused to reveal his sources.
According to one source, the program will not cost a lot.
information from various intelligence sources

Recent Examples of source from the Web

Perhaps the biggest source of concern is the message to foreign investors.

— The Economist, "Kinder Morgan’s frustrated attempt to build an oil pipeline reflects badly on Canada," 14 Apr. 2018
The source of the crayfish infestations is unclear.

— michigan wildlife council, Detroit Free Press, "Cajun crayfish unwelcome Michigan visitors," 9 Apr. 2018
The source of allegations against the company is not a whistleblower or a founder of the company.

— NBC News, "Meet the Press - April 8, 2018," 8 Apr. 2018
The biggest source of taxes in Alabama was personal income tax.

— leada gore, AL.com, "What is biggest source of tax revenue in Alabama?," 6 Apr. 2018
But an even greater source of hope for Ogrod is the recent seismic shift in the city’s criminal-justice climate.

— will bunch, Philly.com, "Walter Ogrod's 22-year fight to escape death row gains hope from Krasner, documentary | Will Bunch," 5 Apr. 2018
But the crowd’s biggest source of confusion might have been because Wilson appeared during a loud ovation for the kings of the franchise, Willie Mays and Willie McCovey.

— ann killion, San Francisco Chronicle, "Brian Wilson’s appearance at AT&T Park odd, but welcome," 4 Apr. 2018
In several Arizona communities, that finite source of water is in danger of being overtapped.

— dustin gardiner, azcentral, "Arizona aquifers are in trouble, but lawmakers want fewer rules for pumping groundwater," 4 Apr. 2018
Another source of the mayor's pride is the continued collaboration with regional entities, such as surrounding communities and their governments, non-profit institutions, civic organizations and local businesses.

— linda gandee/special to cleveland.com, cleveland.com, "Rocky River mayor optimistic about the state of the city," 2 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'source.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of source

Middle English sours, from Anglo-French surse spring, source, from past participle of surdre to rise, spring forth, from Latin surgere — more at surge

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

source Synonyms

Synonyms

cradle, font, fountain, fountainhead, origin, root, seedbed, spring, well, wellspring;

ground zero, square one;

Synonym Discussion of source

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

source

verb

Definition of source

sourced; sourcing

transitive verb

1 : to specify the source of (something, such as quoted material)

2 : to obtain from a source

metals sourced from abroad

Recent Examples of source from the Web

All materials used to design the camps have been sourced locally.

— erin hill, PEOPLE.com, "A Royal Glamping Honeymoon? See Inside Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Reported Getaway," 10 Apr. 2018
Multicultural heritage Navarro says that while the gold was sourced locally, the jewelry was mostly manufactured using Phoenician techniques.

— National Geographic, "Origin of Mysterious 2,700-Year-Old Gold Treasure Revealed," 10 Apr. 2018
Pair breakfast with locally sourced espresso, freshly brewed tea (iced or hot), house chai tea or opt for morning cocktails (mimosa varieties, Irish coffee, house Bloody Marys and more).

— special to the oregonian, OregonLive.com, "Gerry Frank's picks: Historic buildings have new life in Dayton," 7 Apr. 2018
Gorgeous artistry, bee-friendly, and locally sourced?

— tess kornfeld, Glamour, "Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Announced Their Wedding Florist, and She's Incredible," 1 Apr. 2018
Breakfast: Jackson’s Corner Thomas’ go-to spot is Jackson’s Corner, a relaxed, sunny restaurant that serves locally sourced food.

— ac shilton, Outside Online, "Lauren Fleshman and Jesse Thomas' Perfect Day in Bend," 29 Mar. 2018
Locally sourced, seasonal food is good for your health and good for the environment.

— joseph hincks / hong kong, Time, "The World Is Headed for a Food Security Crisis. Here's How We Can Avert It," 28 Mar. 2018
More guests are looking for places to stay that are committed to sustainability and locally sourced food, says Melissa Farrar, director of marketing communications for the Fairmont.

— bailey bischoff, The Christian Science Monitor, "In San Francisco, hotels welcome bees as honored guests," 26 Mar. 2018
Chef Julieta Caruso uses locally sourced produce to create inventive dishes inspired by famous literature.

— kristin braswell, ELLE Decor, "Just In: Buenos Aires Is The New Paris," 19 Mar. 2018

First Known Use of source

1957

source

adjective

Definition of source

: of, relating to, or being source code

a source file

First Known Use of source

1959

SOURCE Defined for English Language Learners

source

noun

Definition of source for English Language Learners

: someone or something that provides what is wanted or needed
: the cause of something (such as a problem)
: a person, book, etc., that gives information

SOURCE Defined for Kids

source

noun \ ˈsȯrs \

Definition of source for Students

1 : a cause or starting point

the source of a rumor

2 : the beginning of a stream of water

the source of the Nile River

3 : someone or something that supplies information

a reference source

4 : someone or something that provides what is needed

a source of supplies

a source of strength

Law Dictionary

source

noun

legal Definition of source

1 : a point of origin

the source of the conflict

2 : one that supplies information

a journalist's source

Learn More about source

See words that rhyme with source Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for source Spanish Central: Translation of source Nglish: Translation of source for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of source for Arabic speakers

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source

Definition of source

sourceless

Examples of source in a Sentence

Recent Examples of source from the Web

Origin and Etymology of source

source Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

Synonym Discussion of source

source

Definition of source

Recent Examples of source from the Web

First Known Use of source

source

Definition of source

First Known Use of source

SOURCE Defined for English Language Learners

source

Definition of source for English Language Learners

SOURCE Defined for Kids

source

Definition of source for Students

Law Dictionary

source

legal Definition of source

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