birthplace

American  

[burth-pleys] / ˈbɜrθˌpleɪs /

noun

1. place of birth or origin.

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birthplace British  

/ ˈbɜːθˌpleɪs /

noun

1. the place where someone was born or where something originated

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Etymology

Origin of birthplace

First recorded in 1600–10; birth + place

Explanation

The city or country where someone is born is their birthplace. If you move to Atlanta, Georgia, you can tell your friends you live in the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr. You'll often find the word birthplace describing the origin of a famous person, whether you're visiting the birthplace of Elvis Presley in Mississippi or reading about Tuskegee, Alabama, the birthplace of Rosa Parks. Birthplace also shows up on official documents like passport applications, which require you to prove your birthplace by submitting a birth certificate. The Middle English version of this word was birthstede, from stede, or "place."

Example Sentences

Elon Musk turned his back on California, the birthplace of SpaceX and Tesla, and has been critical of the state’s policies and politics.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

“This is the birthplace of cinema,” Beck said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026

In 1996, he spotted the land that would become his home while walking his dogs in upscale Carlsbad, the birthplace of skateboard legend Tony Hawk.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 16, 2026

A new mural of Eric Morecambe is set to be unveiled in the comedian's birthplace on what would have been his 100th birthday.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

A week after his passing, Garfield was peacefully laid to rest in a vault a few miles from his birthplace.

From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow