origin

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˈɒr.ɪ.dʒɪn/ or /ˈɒr.ə.dʒən/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˈɔr.ɪ.dʒɪn/ or /ˈɔr.dʒɪn/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

Singular origin

Plural origins

Origin is on the Academic Vocabulary List.

1. (countable) The origin of something is its beginning.

   The origin of the universe can be explained with the Big Bang theory

2. (countable) The origin of something is the place where it comes from.
   • Synonym: source

   The origin of this apple is China.

   Apples have many origins; China, America, Turkey, and France are a few.

   The origin of this river is further east.

Related words

• original
• originate
• origination