colophon

noun

col·​o·​phon ˈkä-lə-fən 

-ˌfän

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

To begin their study, the team relied on a common section found in most medieval manuscripts called a colophon. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Apr. 2025

The handscroll’s social dynamics were also reflected in the colophon, or end papers, where owners and visiting viewers would write clever commentary. — WIRED, 19 Sep. 2023

Like the colophon actually means like these are the people who made it. — Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Aug. 2020

The differences between the editions, which begin with the colophon, include extended or altered scenes and three distinct endings. — James Yeh, New York Times, 3 May 2020

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1733, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Geographical Definition

Colophon

geographical name

Col·​o·​phon ˈkä-lə-fən 

-ˌfän

ancient city of western Asia Minor in Lydia