origin

noun

or·​i·​gin ˈȯr-ə-jən 

ˈär-

1

: ancestry, parentage

was of humble origin

She is of French origin.

2

a

: rise, beginning, or derivation from a source

the origin of life on Earth

The word "algebra" is of Arabic origin.

b

: the point at which something begins or rises or from which it derives

the origin of the custom

also : something that creates, causes, or gives rise to another

a spring is the origin of the brook

3

: the more fixed, central, or larger attachment of a muscle

4

: the intersection of coordinate axes

Synonyms

• cradle
• font
• fountain
• fountainhead
• root
• seedbed
• source
• spring
• well
• wellspring

Choose the Right Synonym for origin

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 origin in a Sentence

Her ethnic origins are French.

the origins of human language remain a matter of considerable debate

Recent Examples on the Web

Some big ancient names have all described different origin stories to the Greek city, from Herodotus, Thucydides and Aristotle, to Strabo in his Geographica. —John Oseid, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024

Check out the trailer for season six here: As the characters are introduced to audiences in advance of a possible prequel series about their origin story, the show will take viewers back to the 1970s when Virgin River looked a little different, but was still a very magical place. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 29 Nov. 2024

The name Cold Moon, of Mohawk origin, comes from the cold weather at this time of year, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. —Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 28 Nov. 2024

Its origins date back thousands of years when it was believed to have been founded as a Roman city, and is now among the most enticing destinations in the world to visit. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 28 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English origine, from Latin origin-, origo, from oriri to rise — more at orient entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing origin

• country of origin
• have one's origin
• in origin
• of humble origin(s)
• of recent origin
• of unknown origin
• place of origin
• point of origin

Kids Definition

origin

noun

or·​i·​gin ˈȯr-ə-jən 

ˈär-

1

: ancestry sense 1, parentage

2

a

: a rising, beginning, or coming from a source

b

: basic source or cause

3

: the intersection of the x-axis and y-axis on a graph

Etymology

Middle English origine "ancestry," from Latin origin-, origo, from oriri "to rise" — related to aborigine, orient see Word History at orient

Medical Definition

origin

noun

or·​i·​gin ˈȯr-ə-jən, ˈär- 

1

: the point at which something begins or rises or from which it derives

2

: the more fixed, central, or larger attachment of a muscle compare insertion sense 1