definitions

epigraph

[ ep-i-graf, -grahf ]
/ ˈɛp ɪˌgræf, -ˌgrɑf /
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noun

an inscription, especially on a building, statue, or the like.
an apposite quotation at the beginning of a book, chapter, etc.

RELATED WORDS

eulogy, elegy, inscription, head, code, underline, device, cipher, rubric, key, table, motto, heading, epitaph, memorial, sentiment, legend, monument, remembrance, commemoration

Nearby words

epigoni, epigonus, epigram, epigrammatic, epigrammatize, epigraph, epigraphic, epigraphy, epigynous, epigynum, epikeratophakia

Origin of epigraph

First recorded in 1615–25, epigraph is from the Greek word epigraphḗ inscription. See epi-, -graph

Can be confused

epigram epigraph epitaph epithet
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for epigraph

British Dictionary definitions for epigraph

epigraph

/ (ˈɛpɪˌɡrɑːf, -ˌɡræf) /

noun

a quotation at the beginning of a book, chapter, etc, suggesting its theme
an inscription on a monument or building

Derived Forms

epigraphic (ˌɛpɪˈɡræfɪk) or epigraphical, adjectiveepigraphically, adverb

Word Origin for epigraph

C17: from Greek epigraphē; see epigram
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012