1
: from that place
2
: from that fact or circumstance : therefrom
3
archaic : from that time : thenceforth
Phrases
from thence
: from that place

Examples of thence in a Sentence

Their travels took them to the Bahamas, thence south to Venezuela.
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.
The number of refugees coming from North Africa to Italy via the Mediterranean, and thence northward, is increasing and may rise quickly at any time. Guido Steinberg, Foreign Affairs, 19 Jan. 2017 Steam poured from the pick holes, and the sound issued from thence too, muffled but loud. Richard Brookhiser, National Review, 25 Jan. 2024 Its opener generates a not inconsiderable carbon footprint, whisking us from Peru to Canada and thence the Scottish Highlands. Mike McCahill, Variety, 20 Feb. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English thannes, from thanne from that place, from Old English thanon; akin to Old High German thanan from that place, Old English thænne then — more at then entry 1

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of thence was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near thence

Cite this Entry

“Thence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thence. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

thence

adverb
1
: from that place
proceeding thence directly to class
2
: from that fact or circumstance
a natural conclusion follows thence

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