plural origins
1
: the point or place where something begins or is created : the source or cause of something
The origin of this custom/tradition is not known. = The origins of this custom/tradition are not known. [=no one knows how this custom/tradition started]
What is the origin [=etymology] of that word?
The school had its origin [=the school was created] with a large gift from a donor.
The story had its origin [=originated] in the 19th century.
The English word "rendezvous" is French in origin. [=the English word comes from French]
The infection was bacterial in origin. [=the infection was caused by bacteria]
The wine is named for its place of origin. [=the place where it was made/created]
The game is of recent origin. [=the game was created recently]
a disease of unknown origin [=a disease whose origin is not known]
2
: the place, social situation, or type of family that a person comes from
She is of French origin. [=ancestry]
What is his country of origin? [=what country does he come from?]
Her ethnic origins are French.
He comes from humble origins. [=he comes from a family that did not have high social status or much money]
Cite this Entry
“Origin.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/origin. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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