ex libris

[ eks lee-bris, lahy- ]

/ ɛks ˈli brɪs, ˈlaɪ- /

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from the library of (a phrase inscribed in or on a book before the name of the owner): Ex libris Jane Doe.

noun, plural ex li·bris

an inscription in or on a book, to indicate the owner; bookplate.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of ex libris

First recorded in 1875–80, ex libris is from Latin ex lībrīs “out of the books (of), from the books (of)”

Words nearby ex libris

exit pupil, exit strategy, exit tax, ex lege, ex lib., ex libris, Exmoor, ex more, Exmouth, ex new, ex nihilo

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use ex libris in a sentence

There has grown up, too, quite a literature about the making of the book beautiful—whereof the Ex-Libris Series alone is witness.
Of the Decorative Illustration of Books Old and New|Walter Crane
Our copy is in the original full calf gold stamped binding, with the ex libris of James Maidment.
Cooking and Dining in Imperial Rome|Apicius
The larger is bound in as a frontispiece; the smaller (the ex-libris) is inserted at the beginning.
De Libris: Prose and Verse|Austin Dobson
On the fly-leaf, in very faded ink, is written 'Ex libris Guliolmi Whyte.'
A Study In Scarlet|Arthur Conan Doyle

A copy of this edition bears the inscription, Ex libris Gul: Congreve.
The Library of William Congreve|John C. Hodges

British Dictionary definitions for ex libris

ex libris

/ (ɛks ˈliːbrɪs) /

adjective

from the collection or library of: frequently printed on bookplates

noun ex-libris

a bookplate bearing the owner's name, coat of arms, etc

Word Origin for ex libris

C19: from Latin, literally: from the books (of)

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