Definition

1. Noun:
   • A support placed at the end of a row of books to keep them upright (on a shelf or table): A "bookend" is a heavy or sturdy object, often one of a pair, designed to be placed at one or both ends of a row of books to prevent them from falling over.

Usage

• Noun:
  • A "bookend" is typically used in a pair, with one at each end of a row of books.
  • It can be a functional object made of metal, wood, or stone, or a decorative item shaped like an animal, figurine, or abstract form.
  • The term is used literally to describe the physical object.

Examples

• Noun:
  • I used a heavy marble bookend to keep my encyclopedia set from toppling over.
  • She has a beautiful pair of brass lion bookends on her office shelf.
  • Without a bookend, the books on the desk kept sliding down.

Advanced Usage

• Metaphorical Use: The term "bookend" can be used metaphorically to describe things or events that frame or mark the beginning and end of something.

  • The opening and closing ceremonies served as perfect bookends to the Olympic Games.
  • The first and last chapters of the novel act as thematic bookends.

• Verb (Less Common): To "bookend" something means to occur at both the beginning and end of it, or to place something at both ends.

  • Two major speeches will bookend the conference.
  • She bookended her presentation with two powerful quotes.

Variants and Related Words

• Bookends (n, plural): The standard form, referring to the pair of objects.
  • His collection of vintage bookends is impressive.

Synonyms

• Book support (n): A more literal, descriptive synonym.
• Book stop (n): A less common term with the same meaning.

Related Phrases

• To serve as bookends: To function as the starting and ending points of something.
  • These two paintings serve as bookends for the artist's blue period.

Idioms

• Bookend something (with something): To frame an event or period by having similar things at its start and finish.
  • He bookended his career with awards for best new director and a lifetime achievement award.

Noun

1. a support placed at the end of a row of books to keep them upright (on a shelf or table)