outsource

verb

out·​source ˈau̇t-ˌsȯrs How to pronounce outsource (audio)
outsourced; outsourcing; outsources

transitive + intransitive

: to procure (something, such as some goods or services needed by a business or organization) from outside sources and especially from foreign or nonunion suppliers : to contract for work, jobs, etc., to be done by outside or foreign workers
decided to outsource some back-office operations
Some services and aspects of production were outsourced to cut costs.
Firms outsource to capitalize on their strengths while minimizing business activities that are not core functions.John K. Borchardt
compare insource

Examples of outsource in a Sentence

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.
But no country can permanently outsource the welfare of its citizens. W. Gyude Moore, semafor.com, 2 July 2026 As owners continue to try to outsource player development, there is legitimate concern about the future of the game. Brittany Ghiroli, New York Times, 1 July 2026 Look local government, the Gov is giving you a 50% off coupon to give up your residents’ private data, outsource your jobs to big tech. Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026 This results from the way the Conservative and Labour parties outsource the final choice of their political leaders these days to party memberships, who do not always choose wisely. Toby Helm, Time, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for outsource

Word History

First Known Use

1979, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of outsource was in 1979

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outsource.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outsource. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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