SINCE 1828
whence
adverb
\ ˈhwen(t)s
, ˈwen(t)s\
, ˈwen(t)s\
Definition of whence
(Entry 1 of 2)
: from what place, source, or cause
then whence comes this paradox — Changing Times
from whence
: from what place, source, or cause
no one could tell me from whence the gold had come— Graham Greene
whence
conjunctionDefinition of whence (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: from what place, source, or cause
inquired whence the water came— Maria Edgeworth
2a
: from or out of which place, source, or cause
the lawless society whence the ballads sprang— DeLancey Ferguson
b
: by reason of which fact
nothing broke— whence I infer that my bones are not yet chalky— O. W. Holmes †1935
Keep scrolling for more
Learn More about whence
Dictionary Entries near whence
Statistics for whence
Look-up Popularity
Time Traveler for whence
The first known use of whence was in the 13th century
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for whence
whence
adverb
English Language Learners Definition of whence
old-fashioned + literary
: from where
See the full definition for whence in the English Language Learners Dictionary
whence
adverb
\ ˈhwens
, ˈwens\
, ˈwens\
Kids Definition of whence
1
: from what place, source, or cause
Whence come all these questions?
2
: from or out of which
We knew little of the land whence they came.
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on whence
What made you want to look up whence? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
A Green Quiz
-
- What is the best definition of green-eyed monster?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
A Green Quiz
How many questions can you answer about the word "green"?
Take the quiz -
Return of Name that Color!
Additional colors! More obscure than before!
Take the quiz -
Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz -
SCRABBLE® Sprint
SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!
Play the game
Share whence
Resources for whence