epigraph

noun

ep·​i·​graph ˈe-pə-ˌgraf How to pronounce epigraph (audio)
1
: an engraved inscription
2
: a quotation set at the beginning of a literary work or one of its divisions to suggest its theme

Examples of epigraph in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But what those hundreds of pounds of muscle and fur might mean is challenging to see through the dark woods of this intense novel, which begins with an epigraph from the Brothers Grimm. Ron Charles, Washington Post, 18 June 2024 The epigraph of that book is from this book by Carol Queen, who’s a huge hero of mine, called The Leather Daddy and the Femme. Emma Specter, Vogue, 13 June 2024 This quotation, from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, serves as the fitting epigraph to Robert Draper’s riveting new book on U.S. President George W. Bush’s decision to go to war in Iraq. Melvyn P. Leffler, Foreign Affairs, 13 Oct. 2020 Farmers had wrenched the metal from monuments to make tools and used broken statues and epigraphs to build walls to protect their flocks and crops. Rachel Howard, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for epigraph 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'epigraph.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Greek epigraphḗ "act of inscribing, inscription," noun of action from epigráphein "to mark the surface of, graze, scratch a mark on, inscribe" — more at epigram

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of epigraph was in 1624

Dictionary Entries Near epigraph

Cite this Entry

“Epigraph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epigraph. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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