Bookend
noun
One of a pair of supports for holding books upright on a shelf.
She placed the bookends on the shelf to keep her collection of novels from falling over.
Usage tips
Neutral
decorative bookends, metal bookends, wooden bookends
verb
To set or frame something by using two similar or contrasting elements at either end.
The author chose to bookend her essay with a quotation from her favorite philosopher.
Usage tips
Neutral
visually bookended, bookended the discussion
noun
One of a pair of supports for holding books upright on a shelf.
She placed the bookends on the shelf to keep her collection of novels from falling over.
Usage tips
Neutral
decorative bookends, metal bookends, wooden bookends
verb
To set or frame something by using two similar or contrasting elements at either end.
The author chose to bookend her essay with a quotation from her favorite philosopher.
Usage tips
Neutral
visually bookended, bookended the discussion
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Use
Refers to the physical object used to support books.
A pair of colorful bookends kept the encyclopedia set upright.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
Used to describe framing elements in narratives or discussions.
The opening and closing scenes of the film acted as bookends, tying the story together.
Pro Tip 3/3Colloquial Use
In casual conversations, it might refer to elements that provide structure or balance.
In his presentation, he bookended his main points with two anecdotes.
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Use
Refers to the physical object used to support books.
A pair of colorful bookends kept the encyclopedia set upright.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
Used to describe framing elements in narratives or discussions.
The opening and closing scenes of the film acted as bookends, tying the story together.
Pro Tip 3/3Colloquial Use
In casual conversations, it might refer to elements that provide structure or balance.
In his presentation, he bookended his main points with two anecdotes.
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Use
Refers to the physical object used to support books.
A pair of colorful bookends kept the encyclopedia set upright.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
Used to describe framing elements in narratives or discussions.
The opening and closing scenes of the film acted as bookends, tying the story together.
Pro Tip 3/3Colloquial Use
In casual conversations, it might refer to elements that provide structure or balance.
In his presentation, he bookended his main points with two anecdotes.
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