blurb

American  

[blurb] / blɜrb /

noun

1. a brief advertisement or announcement, especially a laudatory one.

   She wrote a good blurb for her friend's novel.

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verb (used with object)

1. to advertise or praise in the manner of a blurb.

blurb British  

/ blɜːb /

noun

1. a promotional description, as found on the jackets of books

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Other Word Forms

• blurbist noun

Etymology

Origin of blurb

An Americanism dating back to 1910–15; allegedly coined by F. G. Burgess

Explanation

A blurb is a short piece of writing that describes or summarizes something longer and more complicated. You might browse in the library, reading blurbs on the backs of books to help you choose what to check out. One type of blurb is written to sell or promote something. A movie's official website might include a blurb describing its plot as well as a short trailer and a cast list, and well-known authors often contribute blurbs full of praise to help other writers market their own books. Any brief written summary can also be called a blurb: in fact, right now you're reading a blurb about the word blurb.

Example Sentences

The online blurb says the book is a "darkly humorous novel that uses the deftest touch to draw a thread through the lives of Welsh farmers, city accountants, Indian hoteliers and Eisteddfod mums".

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

Patchett provided a cover blurb for “The Correspondent,” a dusting of star power that helps attract bookstore browsers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 8, 2025

Busbice, in a blurb written before March 27, specifically cited a 20% increase in the tariff on all imported goods and the 25% tax on metal goods, in particular.

From Salon • Sep. 18, 2025

“This is outdated,” another account said, commenting on a ChatGPT blurb about a Taylor Swift ticket allegedly selling for $200,000 on the secondary market.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 18, 2025

“Just like being by the sea!” the blurb claimed.

From "Nim’s Island" by Wendy Orr