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
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
Cain landed a guest role on Superman origin series Smallville's seventh season as Dr. Curtis Knox, and appeared on several episodes of Supergirl's first and second seasons as the titular heroine's foster father.
—
Ryan Coleman Published, EW.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Sheik plans to explore the goo’s origin, noting that there are many scenarios to consider, including whether the substance grew in the rudder shaft in the first place or somehow hitched a ride on the boat.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 1 Aug. 2025
Those flights have been delayed at their origins anywhere from 2 hours, 30 minutes to 3 hours, 38 minutes on average.
—Nbc News, NBC news, 1 Aug. 2025
In fact, as Cohen Gilliland shows, favorable public opinion was instrumental in persuading many adults who had doubts about their origins to take the test.
—Graciela Mochkofsky, New Yorker, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for origin
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Ryan Coleman Published, EW.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Sheik plans to explore the goo’s origin, noting that there are many scenarios to consider, including whether the substance grew in the rudder shaft in the first place or somehow hitched a ride on the boat.
—Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 1 Aug. 2025
Those flights have been delayed at their origins anywhere from 2 hours, 30 minutes to 3 hours, 38 minutes on average.
—Nbc News, NBC news, 1 Aug. 2025
In fact, as Cohen Gilliland shows, favorable public opinion was instrumental in persuading many adults who had doubts about their origins to take the test.
—Graciela Mochkofsky, New Yorker, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for origin
Cite this Entry
“Origin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/origin. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
origin
noun
or·i·gin
ˈȯr-ə-jən 
ˈär-
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
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
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