Speakur

Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

colophon

/ˈkɑləˌfɑn/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: 2.15 in modern English

Syllables
colophon
IPA
/ˈkɑləˌfɑn/
15
Scrabble Score
8
Letters
1
Syllables
6
Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

In manuscripts (typically before the invention of printing), the note, usually at the end, left by the scribe who copied it, giving information on his exemplar, where and when the copy was made, and sometimes, his own name.

noun

An inscription found at the end of, or interspersed with the contents of, Chinese paintings or scrolls, usually left by later literati, appreciators, or collectors.

noun

A printer's or publisher's identifying inscription or logo appearing at the front or end of a book, or the same appearing on the spine or dust jacket.

noun

A page on a website identifying the details of its creation, such as the author's name and the technologies used.

noun

A finishing stroke or crowning touch.

Obsolete

name

A historical city in Ancient Greece.

Example Sentences

Etymology

Borrowed from Late Latin colophōn, from Ancient Greek κολοφών (kolophṓn, “peak or finishing touch”).

Origin

Word Breakdown

  • Root: colophōn, κολοφών

Regional Pronunciation

  • American English: /ˈkɑləˌfɑn/
  • British English: /ˈkɒləfən/

Usage

Inflected Forms

colophons (plural)

Derived Forms

colophonist

Frequently Paired Words

colophony coronis vignette

Questions

How do you pronounce colophon?
The recorded pronunciation is /ˈkɑləˌfɑn/.
What does colophon mean?
In manuscripts (typically before the invention of printing), the note, usually at the end, left by the scribe who copied it, giving information on his exemplar, where and when the copy was made, and sometimes, his own name.
Where does colophon come from?
It is traced to Ancient Greek.

How to pronounce colophon

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “colophon”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈkɑləˌfɑn/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “colophon”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “colophon” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.