source

1 of 3

noun

ˈsȯrs

Synonyms of source next

: a generative force : cause

b(1)

: a point of origin or procurement : beginning

(2)

: one that initiates : author

also : prototype, model

(3)

: one that supplies information

: the point of origin of a stream of water : fountainhead

archaic : spring, fount

: a firsthand document or primary reference work

: an electrode in a field-effect transistor that supplies the charge carriers for current flow compare drain, gate

sourceless

ˈsȯrs-ləs

adjective

source

2 of 3

verb

sourced; sourcing

transitive verb

: to specify the source of (something, such as quoted material)

: to obtain from a source

metals sourced from abroad

source

3 of 3

adjective

: of, relating to, or being source code

a source file

Choose the Right Synonym for source

origin, source, inception, root mean the point at which something begins its course or existence.

origin applies to the things or persons from which something is ultimately derived and often to the causes operating before the thing itself comes into being.

an investigation into the origin of baseball

source applies more often to the point where something springs into being.

the source of the Nile

the source of recurrent trouble

inception stresses the beginning of something without implying causes.

the business has been a success since its inception

root suggests a first, ultimate, or fundamental source often not easily discerned.

the real root of the violence

Examples of source in a Sentence

Noun The college had its own power source. She has been a great source of strength to me. His job is the family's main source of income. A government source spoke to the press today. The reporter has refused to reveal his sources. According to one source, the program will not cost a lot. information from various intelligence sources

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Over the eight-year course of writing the show, the most challenging part was coming back to the book’s source material in every workshop and building a new narrative, to stay consistent in building complex characters. —

Lexi Carson, Variety, 26 Apr. 2024 Mint and Stewart Butterfield are estranged, but officials are concerned about making the family connection public, the source said. —

Andrew Blankstein, NBC News, 25 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for source

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

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English sours, from Anglo-French surse spring, source, from past participle of surdre to rise, spring forth, from Latin surgere — more at surge

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1957, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of source was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Source.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/source. Accessed 4 May. 2024.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

source

noun

ˈsō(ə)rs,

ˈsȯ(ə)rs

: a force that gives rise to something : cause

a source of strength

: a point where something begins

: a person or a publication that supplies information

: the beginning of a stream of water

the source of the Nile

: a firsthand document or main reference work

Legal Definition

source

noun

: a point of origin

the source of the conflict

: one that supplies information

a journalist's source

Last Updated: 28 Apr 2024 - Updated example sentences

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

agrarian

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

source

noun

verb

adjective

Synonyms

Examples of source in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near source

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Legal Definition