1
: from this place : away
2
a
archaic : henceforth
b
: from this time
four years hence
3
: because of a preceding fact or premise : therefore
4
: from this source or origin
Phrases
from hence
archaic : from this place : from this time

Examples of hence in a Sentence

Resource-rich countries don't need to levy taxes, so there is little pressure for government accountability, and hence fewer checks and balances. Niall Ferguson, New York Times Book Review, 1 July 2007
Panforte—a cross between a cake and a candy—is a classic Italian Christmas treat. It's a very dense, rich confection loaded with nuts, dried fruit, and spices (hence its name, which means "strong bread"). Gourmet, December 2002
Common sense told the YA librarian that if ever she hoped to be successful with her clients, she would have to offset the prevailing attitude of most of the staff. Through determination and patience, she soon established herself as confidante, friend, and advisor to large numbers of middle and high school students. Hence, it was not surprising when she was approached one day by a young man and young woman with a request. A. J. Anderson, Library Journal, 1 May 1994
He knew he could not win the election—hence his decision to withdraw. The company lost a great deal of money. Hence, the CEO was asked to resign. What will life be like a century hence?
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
And hence the jacking of a bond on him up from $10,000 to $250,000. Matt Thompson, SPIN, 5 Nov. 2024 Still, Nvidia stock is actually down 4.8% from its all-time closing high set Oct. 21, but Apple shares are down 6.7% over the same period, hence the flip in their market values. Derek Saul, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Established in Thousand Oaks, hence the name, TOAKS offers a variety of pots, cookware and packable stoves. Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024 Brooklinen Super-Plush Robe This is the perfect out-of-the-shower robe because it’s made out of the same cotton as the brand's Super-Plush Turkish Cotton Bath Sheets (picture in the back!): absorbent, durable, and super-plush (hence its name). Allure, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hence 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English hennes, henne, from Old English heonan; akin to Old High German hinnan away, Old English hēr here

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hence was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near hence

Cite this Entry

“Hence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hence. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

hence

adverb
1
: from this place or time
a week hence
2
: consequently, therefore
was a newcomer and hence had no close friends in the city

More from Merriam-Webster on hence

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