crowdsource

[kroud-sawrs, -sohrs]

verb (used with or without object)

crowdsourced, crowdsourcing 

1. to utilize (labor, information, etc.) contributed by the general public to (a project), often via the internet and without compensation.

   The team's use of Facebook to crowdsource accurate scientific data allowed the project to be completed on time.

   The newspaper crowdsourced its investigation into the scandal.

crowdsource

/ ˈkraʊdˌsɔːs /

verb

1. to outsource work to an unspecified group of people, typically by making an appeal to the general public on the internet

Other Word Forms

• crowdsourcing noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of crowdsource¹

First recorded in 2006; crowd ¹ + (out)source

Word History and Origins

Origin of crowdsource¹

c21: from _crowd + _(out)source

Example Sentences

“ICEBlock is no different from crowdsourcing speed traps, which every notable mapping application, including Apple’s own Maps app, implements as part of its core services,” Aaron said.

From Salon

The crowdsourcing venture aims to find victims of the Eaton and Palisades blazes who had lost Disney mementos.

From Los Angeles Times

These come from a variety of sources, including its editors' own reading, crowdsourcing appeals, and analysis of language databases.

From BBC

After Russia invaded Crimea in 2014, the organisation was set up to crowdsource military equipment for fighting Ukrainian troops.

From BBC

A company which fell victim to what's thought to be the world's biggest ever robbery is seeking to recover some of its losses by crowdsourcing online bounty hunters.

From BBC