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So You've Been Asked to Submit a Biography
In a library, the word biography refers both to a kind of book and to a section where books of that kind are found. Each biography tells the story of a real person's life. A biography may be about someone who lived long ago, recently, or even someone who is still living, though in the last case it must necessarily be incomplete. The term autobiography refers to a biography written by the person it's about. Autobiographies are of course also necessarily incomplete.
Sometimes biographies are significantly shorter than a book—something anyone who's been asked to submit a biography for, say, a conference or a community newsletter will be glad to know. Often the word in these contexts is shortened to bio, a term that can be both a synonym of biography and a term for what is actually a biographical sketch: a brief description of a person's life. These kinds of biographies—bios—vary, but many times they are only a few sentences long. Looking at bios that have been used in the same context can be a useful guide in determining what to put in your own.
Examples of bio in a Sentence
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Mar. 2026
KelTex is producing a biodegradable bio-leather made from seaweed.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 5 Mar. 2026
Iles has been a regular member of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra since 2014 and taught as a faculty trombone and jazz instructor at several universities, according to his bio.
—Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026
Bautista is the mother of two Chicago Public Schools students, according to her board bio, and a former Local School Council member.
—Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bio
Cite this Entry
“Bio.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bio. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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