source

verb

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

Examples of source in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The real attraction is the work of a couple hundred people behind the scenes, sourcing and arranging everything inside. —Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026

The interpretive trail features around 30 jade displays and introduces how the stone formed, how it was sourced, and how early discoveries sparked a brief but notable jade industry in the region. —Vivian Chung, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2026

The entire fruit—from the juice to the rind—is incredibly useful in the kitchen and nearly impossible to source locally. —Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 7 June 2026

Approximately 20% of the world’s oil supplies were sourced from the currently closed Strait of Hormuz. —Wayne Winegarden, Oc Register, 7 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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