front matter

noun

, Printing.

1. all material in a book that precedes the text proper, as the title page, copyright page, table of contents, dedication, and preface.

front matter

noun

1. another name for prelims

Word History and Origins

Origin of front matter¹

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10

Example Sentences

Front matter consisting of a blurb and a list of other publications by the author has been moved to the end of the text.

From Project Gutenberg

The frontispiece illustration and introductory front matter has been moved to follow the title page.

From Project Gutenberg

Inexplicably, the pagination of this text's front matter runs i-xi, then begins again at v for the list of plates and reviews.

From Project Gutenberg

The frontispiece illustration has been moved to follow the front matter.

From Project Gutenberg

The cover image has been created using the information from and design of the original front matter.

From Project Gutenberg