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
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
The teaser trailer really sets the vibe for Dexter’s origin story with all the funkiest elements of the 1990s from the music to the fashion, the furniture, and even the glorious mustache Patrick Dempsey is wearing.
—
Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2024
Built into the semi-recent spate of origin stories for classic TV and movie villains — Norman Bates, the Joker, half of the nefarious Disney catalogue — is an indictment of non-empathetic viewership.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Sep. 2024
Advertisement Rosalind Rosalind, 38, is a Black woman of Caribbean origin living in Southern California.
—Jade S. Sasser, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2024
Even cooler, all 101% fabrics are made from pre and post consumer waste, and all finishings come from natural origins.
—Kristen Philipkoski, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for origin 
Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2024
Built into the semi-recent spate of origin stories for classic TV and movie villains — Norman Bates, the Joker, half of the nefarious Disney catalogue — is an indictment of non-empathetic viewership.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Sep. 2024
Advertisement Rosalind Rosalind, 38, is a Black woman of Caribbean origin living in Southern California.
—Jade S. Sasser, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2024
Even cooler, all 101% fabrics are made from pre and post consumer waste, and all finishings come from natural origins.
—Kristen Philipkoski, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for origin
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'origin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near origin
Cite this Entry
“Origin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/origin. Accessed 19 Sep. 2024.
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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