DictionaryhailPlace of origin
verb

hail

To come originally from a particular place.

Our new music teacher hails from a small town in Ohio.

Etymology

The origin phrase developed in nautical use, where a ship answered a hail by stating its home port. Hail from broadened to a person’s place of origin.

More examples

  • The players hail from several different countries.
  • Her grandfather hailed from New Orleans.
  • Where do you hail from?

Forms

hail · hails · hailed · hailing

Similar words

come
With from, indicates origin but can also describe travel.
originate
Emphasizes where something began rather than where someone was born.