wellspring

noun

well·​spring ˈwel-ˌspriŋ How to pronounce wellspring (audio)
: a source of continual supply
a wellspring of information

Examples of wellspring in a Sentence

The tour guide was a wellspring of information. the nation's colleges and universities were a wellspring for political activism and unrest
Recent Examples on the Web Ponza does simplicity to the highest standard, luring those charmed by elemental bed and breakfasts and whose preference for the island’s wellspring of rocky coves trumps the convenience of sandy beaches. Monica Mendal, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2023 This show, the first of its kind in the United States, takes a fresh approach by concentrating on Munch’s use of landscape — both as primary subject and as background — and the role of nature as the visual, emotional and philosophical wellspring for his work. Roberta Smith, New York Times, 27 July 2023 The Takeaway The Creative Act can be a rich, enveloping read for those out there who have previously tapped the wellsprings of creativity using clear-mindedness — its exercises can serve as a great new set of directions to a familiar vacation spot within. Jonathan Rowe, SPIN, 14 June 2023 There is no landmark legislation that bears his thumbprint, no law that flowed from the wellspring of his intellect. Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2023 His crowning achievement was merging the Fiat auto business -- the wellspring of their wealth -- with France’s Peugeot to create Stellantis NV in 2020. Daniele Lepido, Bloomberg.com, 29 Nov. 2022 In journalism, the network’s wellspring is Galatz, the excellent, general-purpose, round-the-clock Army radio station, which, too, Karhi is threatening to shut down; Kan’s rise entailed the employment of many Galatz alumni, including Koblenz. Nicholas Lemann, The New Yorker, 13 June 2023 The president gained a four-point lead nationwide in the first round by tapping a deep wellspring of support in places like this from people who describe themselves as Muslim conservatives or nationalists, or some combination of the two. Kareem Fahim, Washington Post, 27 May 2023 In the telling of Camus, whose works became a wellspring of existentialist philosophy, Caligula recognizes the utter meaningless of his sadistic hold on all around him, and allows the machinations that lead to his assassination to proceed unimpeded. Laura Kingstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wellspring.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wellspring was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near wellspring

Cite this Entry

“Wellspring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wellspring. Accessed 27 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

wellspring

noun
well·​spring ˈwel-ˌspriŋ How to pronounce wellspring (audio)
1
: a source of continual supply
2

More from Merriam-Webster on wellspring

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