source

noun

ˈsȯrs 

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

ˈsȯrs-ləs 

adjective

Synonyms of source

• origin
• fountain
• root
• cradle
• beginning

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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 on the Web

The United States plans to allow Iranian assets to be used to support rebuilding in Gulf countries impacted by future Iranian attacks, according to a source familiar with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s thinking. —Dalia Abdelwahab, CNN Money, 7 June 2026

In a new study published in PLOS, researchers analyzed 161 fossils with a new rapid and non-destructive protocol, based on stimulating the bone remains with an external energy source, called luminescence. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 6 June 2026

Bessent has also directed the Treasury to seek comprehensive estimates from Gulf allies of the costs associated with repairing damage caused by Iran since the conflict began, the source said. —Richard Escobedo, CBS News, 6 June 2026

The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists. —Ian Cummings, Kansas City Star, 6 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing source

• open-source
• point source
• primary source
• secondary source
• source code
• source language

Rhymes for source

• bourse
• coarse
• course
• force
• gorse
• hoarse
• horse
• norse
• concourse
• divorce
• endorse
• enforce

Kids Definition

source

noun

ˈsō(ə)rs, 

ˈsȯ(ə)rs

1

a

: a force that gives rise to something : cause

a source of strength

b

: a point where something begins

c

: a person or a publication that supplies information

2

: the beginning of a stream of water

the source of the Nile

3

: a firsthand document or main reference work

Legal Definition

source

noun

1

: a point of origin

the source of the conflict

2

: one that supplies information

a journalist's source