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

• excerptible adjective
• excerption noun
• excerptor noun
• excerpter 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

Ambient sound clips feature excerpts from the diary.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka, who said she turned down an invitation to perform, shared excerpts from a contract that allegedly included bans on any material that could "degrade or defame" the Saudi royal family or religion.

Read more on BBC

“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.

Read more on Salon

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

Read more on 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.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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