excerpt

[ek-surpt, ik-surpt, ek-surpt]

noun

1. a passage or quotation taken or selected from a book, document, film, or the like; extract.

   Synonyms: part, section, portion, selection

verb (used with object)

1. to take or select (a passage) from a book, film, or the like; extract.

2. to take or select passages from (a book, film, or the like); abridge by choosing representative sections.

excerpt

noun

1. a part or passage taken from a book, speech, play, etc, and considered on its own; extract

verb

1. (tr) to take (a part or passage) from a book, speech, play, etc

Other Word Forms

• excerpter noun
• excerptor noun
• excerptible adjective
• excerption noun
• unexcerpted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of excerpt¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin excerptus “picked out,” past participle of excerpere “to pick out, pluck out,” from ex- ex- ¹ + -cerpere, combining form of carpere “to pluck”

Word History and Origins

Origin of excerpt¹

C17: from Latin excerptum, literally: (something) picked out, from excerpere to select, from carpere to pluck

Example Sentences

“Fights, Camera, Action” features an excerpt of a 1988 interview with the woman whose toaster is allegedly possessed by Satan, featured on the “Today” show.

From Salon

The Atlantic book excerpt published earlier this month, it turns out, accurately represents the overall tone of “107 Days.”

From Los Angeles Times

In an excerpt from her memoir “107 Days,” which will be released on Tuesday, former Vice President Kamala Harris attacked Biden for his “recklessness” in deciding to seek another term.

From Salon

On Wednesday, with publication of the first excerpts from her 2024 campaign diary, Harris answered a second question: What kind of book — candid or pablum-filled — would she produce?

From Los Angeles Times

Former US Vice-President Kamala Harris has delivered her sharpest criticism yet of her former boss, calling Joe Biden's decision to seek a second term "recklessness" in an excerpt from her forthcoming memoir.

From BBC

Related Words

• extract 
• fragment 
• passage 
• piece 
• portion 
• quotation 
• selection