source

1 of 3

noun

ˈsȯrs How to pronounce source (audio)
Synonyms of sourcenext
1
a
: 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
2
a
: the point of origin of a stream of water : fountainhead
b
archaic : spring, fount
3
: a firsthand document or primary reference work
4
: an electrode in a field-effect transistor that supplies the charge carriers for current flow compare drain, gate
sourceless
ˈsȯrs-ləs How to pronounce source (audio)
adjective

source

2 of 3

verb

sourced; sourcing

transitive verb

1
: to specify the source of (something, such as quoted material)
2
: to obtain from a source
metals sourced from abroad

source

3 of 3

adjective

: of, relating to, or being source code
a source file

Synonyms

Noun

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The physical model was inspired by resonance chambers–a structure that enhances the transfer of energy from a sound source, like the string of a guitar. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 22 Nov. 2024 In many places in Texas, plain tap water is delicious, whether derived from surface, underground or cistern sources. —Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
This increase is due to higher costs on inventory sourced under agreements with 3M (MMM). —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024 Old Commonwealth 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Fall 2024 is the first release from the Old Commonwealth Distillery, which is not actually a distillery but a non-distilling producer that sources its whiskey from others. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
Modern orchestration software, along with a multi-source strategy—which lends itself to multiple clouds—can allow enterprises to get the most value out of their data. —Quentin Clark, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2022 Our allergen-friendly Plant Protein Powder is a premium quality, multi-source plant protein blend that contains 20g of protein per serving. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 4 Dec. 2022 See all Example Sentences for source 

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

Phrases Containing source

Dictionary Entries Near source

sour-cake

source

sourcebook

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Source.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/source. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

source

noun
ˈsō(ə)rs,
ˈsȯ(ə)rs
1
a
: a force that gives rise to something : cause
a source of strength
b
: a point where something begins
c
: a person or a publication that supplies information
2
: the beginning of a stream of water
the source of the Nile
3
: a firsthand document or main reference work

Legal Definition

source

noun
1
: a point of origin
the source of the conflict
2
: one that supplies information
a journalist's source

More from Merriam-Webster on source

Nglish: Translation of source for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of source for Arabic Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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