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originate

verb
orig·​i·​nate | \ ə-ˈri-jə-ˌnāt How to pronounce originate (audio) \
originated; originating

Definition of originate

transitive verb

: to give rise to : initiate The composer originated 10 songs for the Broadway musical.

intransitive verb

: to take or have origin : begin That board game originated in the 1940s.
Other Words from originate Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about originate

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Other Words from originate

origination \ ə-​ˌri-​jə-​ˈnā-​shən How to pronounce origination (audio) \ noun
originator \ ə-​ˈri-​jə-​ˌnā-​tər How to pronounce originator (audio) \ noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for originate

Synonyms

actualize, appear, arise, begin, break, commence, dawn, engender, form, materialize, set in, spring, start

Antonyms

cease, end, stop

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Choose the Right Synonym for originate

spring, arise, rise, originate, derive, flow, issue, emanate, proceed, stem mean to come up or out of something into existence. spring implies rapid or sudden emerging. an idea that springs to mind arise and rise may both convey the fact of coming into existence or notice but rise often stresses gradual growth or ascent. new questions have arisen slowly rose to prominence originate implies a definite source or starting point. the fire originated in the basement derive implies a prior existence in another form. the holiday derives from an ancient Roman feast flow adds to spring a suggestion of abundance or ease of inception. words flowed easily from her pen issue suggests emerging from confinement through an outlet. blood issued from the cut emanate applies to the coming of something immaterial (such as a thought) from a source. reports emanating from the capital proceed stresses place of origin, derivation, parentage, or logical cause. advice that proceeds from the best of intentions stem implies originating by dividing or branching off from something as an outgrowth or subordinate development. industries stemming from space research

Examples of originate in a Sentence

These stories originated during earlier times. The book originated as a series of lectures. The sound seemed to originate from outside the room. The custom is believed to have originated in the western U.S. He did not originate the idea. The policy was originated by the previous administration.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Details on what led to the crash, where the flight originated, and what the plane was carrying weren't immediately available. — Jason Hanna And Joe Sutton, CNN, "Plane crashes near Toledo airport, erupting into flames as it strikes unoccupied vehicles," 11 Sep. 2019 Where did the custom of decorating Christmas trees originate? — Country Living, "The History of the Christmas Tree Goes Back Farther Than You Might Realize," 4 Sep. 2019 If a lightning bolt’s radio burst hits at least three sensors in Vaisala’s synchronized global network, the system can pinpoint when and where the signal originated. — Matt Simon, WIRED, "The Bonkers Tech That Detects Lightning 6,000 Miles Away," 16 Aug. 2019 Police responded to a location where an incomplete 911 call had originated. — oregonlive.com, "Speeding, swerving driver was trying to impress girlfriend: Forest Grove police log," 12 Aug. 2019 Deputies rushed to the area and found the home where the gunfire originated but couldn't find anyone inside, Lee tweeted. — Jay R. Jordan, Houston Chronicle, "Deputies seize 19 firearms after neighbors call 911 complaining about gunfire," 9 Aug. 2019 Customers in Miami-Dade, where most of the abuses originate, saw premiums increase more than in Broward and Palm Beach during those years. — Ron Hurtibise, sun-sentinel.com, "State approves Citizens Insurance rate hikes for Broward and Palm Beach customers," 30 July 2019 The show, produced by Mike Nichols, won seven Tonys in all, including best musical and best actress in a musical for Dorothy Loudon, who originated the role of unscrupulous, boozing orphanage administrator Miss Hannigan. — Suzy Evans, The Hollywood Reporter, "Martin Charnin, Tony-Winning Creator of 'Annie,' Dies at 84," 7 July 2019 Here’s enough to keep Panthers fans dreaming: Panarin owns a condo in Miami, reportedly loves the beach (who doesn’t?) and could have a reunion with Joel Quenneville, who originated the Breadman nickname. — The Si Staff, SI.com, "A Question for Each NHL Team to Answer in the Offseason," 30 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'originate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of originate

1668, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

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More Definitions for originate

originate

verb
How to pronounce originate (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of originate

: to begin to exist : to be produced or created
: to cause (something) to exist : to produce or create (something)

See the full definition for originate in the English Language Learners Dictionary

originate

verb
orig·​i·​nate | \ ə-ˈri-jə-ˌnāt How to pronounce originate (audio) \
originated; originating

Kids Definition of originate

1 : to bring into being : invent, initiate I had lots of time to cook … and I must say I originated some excellent meals.— Jean Craighead George, My Side of the Mountain
2 : to come into being The custom originated in ancient times.

Other Words from originate

originator \ -​ˌnā-​tər \ noun

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