Definition of whence
: 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
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Examples of whence in a Sentence
They returned to the land whence they came.
Origin and Etymology of whence
Middle English whennes, from whenne whence (from Old English hwanon) + -s, adverb suffix, from -s, genitive singular ending; akin to Old High German hwanān whence, Old English hwā who
First Known Use: 13th century
whence
Definition of whence
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 Fergusonb : by reason of which fact nothing broke— whence I infer that my bones are not yet chalky — O. W. Holmes †1935
13th Century
First Known Use of whence
13th century
WHENCE Defined for English Language Learners
WHENCE Defined for Kids
whence
playDefinition of whence for Students
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.
Learn More about whence
-
Spanish Central: Translation of whence Nglish: Translation of whence for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of whence for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up whence? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!