expression

open source

software whose code anyone may inspect and modify

In Technology & Computing

In more detail

1. (adjective) denoting software whose source code is publicly available and can be modified and distributed by anyone

2. (noun) software with publicly available source code that users can freely modify and share

Examples

1. Linux is an open source operating system that many developers contribute to.
2. The company released their software as open source to encourage community development.

How to use open source

Used primarily in technology and software contexts to describe code that is freely accessible and modifiable by the public. It emphasizes transparency, collaboration, and community-driven development, often contrasted with proprietary software. The term has become standard in technical and business discussions about software licensing and development models.

Common phrases

open source software
open source project
open source community
open source license
open source development
contribute to open source

Synonyms

freely available · publicly shared · free software · transparent code

Opposites

proprietary · closed source · commercial

Word family

open source (noun) · open source (adjective) · open sourcing (verb form)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'open source' to mean simply 'available online' or 'free to use,' but it specifically refers to publicly accessible and modifiable source code, not just free software or publicly available software.

Learn it for good

Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.

Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD