colophon

noun

col·​o·​phon ˈkä-lə-fən How to pronounce colophon (audio)
-ˌfän
Synonyms of colophonnext
1
: an inscription at the end of a book or manuscript usually with facts about its production
2
: an identifying mark used by a printer or a publisher

Examples of colophon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Material features can also include things like colophons—formulas at the end of a text that attest to its completeness and fidelity and often also include the name of the copyist—doodles in the margins, mistakes and corrections, even handwriting style. — The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 22 Apr. 2025 First, researchers turned to an existing catalogue of Benedictine colophons, reviewing all 23,774 entries for linguistic confirmations of gender. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek kolophōn summit, finishing touch; perhaps akin to Latin culmen top — more at hill

First Known Use

1501, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of colophon was in 1501

Browse Nearby Words

colophene
colophon
Colophon
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Cite this Entry

“Colophon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colophon. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

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Geographical Definition

Colophon

geographical name

Col·​o·​phon ˈkä-lə-fən How to pronounce Colophon (audio)
-ˌfän
ancient city of western Asia Minor in Lydia

More from Merriam-Webster on colophon

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