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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

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

This is one reason, Melanie Holcomb, a curator in the Met’s department of medieval art explained, it is thought that the Bible dates from the early part of the 14th century, despite bearing a colophon dated A.D. 1366. —Peter Libbey, New York Times, 22 Dec. 2017

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

Geographical Definition

Colophon

geographical name

Col·​o·​phon ˈkä-lə-fən 

-ˌfän

ancient city of western Asia Minor in Lydia