1
: from this place : away
Was that my father that went hence so fast?—
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare2
a
archaic
: henceforth
b
: from this time
four years hence
3
4
: from this source or origin
see also:
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?
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
Over the years, many notable dignitaries have stayed here; hence the names of the eight signature suites, which are named after an iconic political visitor, such as Roosevelt and John Adams.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 May 2026
Google is starting with video, hence the swap with Veo.
—ArsTechnica, 19 May 2026
Initially, Maul views himself as having failed Sidious, hence his master moving on without him.
—Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 19 May 2026
Many people still associate these feelings of modern belonging with the loftiest human possibilities; hence the powerful emotions that are generated when they are brought together—at the Olympic Games, for instance, or the United Nations headquarters in New York.
—Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hence
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 May 2026
Google is starting with video, hence the swap with Veo.
—ArsTechnica, 19 May 2026
Initially, Maul views himself as having failed Sidious, hence his master moving on without him.
—Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 19 May 2026
Many people still associate these feelings of modern belonging with the loftiest human possibilities; hence the powerful emotions that are generated when they are brought together—at the Olympic Games, for instance, or the United Nations headquarters in New York.
—Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hence
Cite this Entry
“Hence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hence. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hence
adverb1
: from this place or time
a week hence
2
: consequently, therefore
was a newcomer and hence had no close friends in the city
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