resource

noun re·source \ ˈrē-ˌsȯrs , -ˌzȯrs , ri-ˈsȯrs , -ˈzȯrs \

Updated on: 3 Dec 2017

Definition of resource

1 a : a source of supply or support : an available means —usually used in plural

b : a natural source of wealth or revenue —often used in plural

c : a natural feature or phenomenon that enhances the quality of human life

d : computable wealth —usually used in plural

e : a source of information or expertise

2 : something to which one has recourse in difficulty : expedient

3 : a possibility of relief or recovery

4 : a means of spending one's leisure time

5 : an ability to meet and handle a situation : resourcefulness

See resource defined for English-language learners

See resource defined for kids

Examples of resource in a Sentence

Oil is essentially their only resource.
The computer laboratory is an essential resource for students.

Recent Examples of resource from the Web

In a third big student savings effort, MU is working with other four campuses in the University of Missouri System to expand open educational resource materials, including free text books for some courses.

— mará rose williams, kansascity, "University of Missouri cut cost of living on the Columbia campus | The Kansas City Star," 3 Nov. 2017
With the digital media lab now firmly entrenched as a vital community resource, the library this year included it in the budget for the first time, director Michelle Krooswyk said.

— zak koeske, chicagotribune.com, "New Lenox library transforms into mini golf course for Halloween-themed fundraiser," 1 Nov. 2017
Nashville Music City is a great DIY travel destination with Visit Music City’s online visitor’s guide http://www.visitmusiccity.com/vgonline a great resource to start planning with.

— michael j. solender, charlotteobserver, "Hit the road and travel | Charlotte Observer," 1 Nov. 2017
As Whitney’s rifle was to Henry Ford, Coleridge’s library was to him: a resource to digest and transform.

— anthony brandt and david eagleman, Smithsonian, "Where Do New Ideas Come From?," 31 Oct. 2017
Many were compensated for holding Black Lives Matter rallies, teaching self defense classes and writing content for Russian websites disguised as pro-Black web resources.

— Essence.com, "Members Of The Congressional Black Caucus Won't Let Facebook Get Away With Their Part In Russia's Meddling," 20 Oct. 2017
But human-resources departments may try to discourage reporting; victims may feel that their experience was not sufficiently serious to warrant official action.

— The Economist, "An open secretSexual harassment at work," 19 Oct. 2017
In certain human-resources departments, those tasked with screening grievances sometimes report directly to the alleged predators themselves.

— david friend, vanityfair.com, "Anita Hill’s Legacy Lives on Among Harvey Weinstein’s Accusers," 13 Oct. 2017
In certain human-resources departments, those tasked with screening grievances sometimes report directly to the alleged predators themselves.

— david friend, HWD, "Anita Hill’s Legacy Lives on Among Harvey Weinstein’s Accusers," 13 Oct. 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of resource

French ressource, from Old French ressourse relief, resource, from resourdre to relieve, literally, to rise again, from Latin resurgere — more at resurrection

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1611

See Words from the same year

resource Synonyms

Synonyms

expedient, recourse, resort

Related Words

hope, opportunity, possibility, relief; makeshift, replacement, stopgap, substitute

Near Antonyms

debts, liabilities; indebtedness

Synonym Discussion of resource

resource, resort, expedient, shift, makeshift, stopgap mean something one turns to in the absence of the usual means or source of supply. resource and resort apply to anything one falls back upon.

- exhausted all of their resources
- a last resort

expedient may apply to any device or contrivance used when the usual one is not at hand or not possible.

- a flimsy expedient

shift implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient.

- desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure

makeshift implies an inferior expedient adopted because of urgent need or allowed through indifference.

- old equipment employed as a makeshift

stopgap applies to something used temporarily as an emergency measure.

- a new law intended only as a stopgap

RESOURCE Defined for English Language Learners

resource

noun

Definition of resource for English Language Learners

: something that a country has and can use to increase its wealth
: a supply of something (such as money) that someone has and can use when it is needed
: a place or thing that provides something useful