Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Worn or shabby from overuse: Describes an object, especially a book, that shows signs of frequent handling or age.
   • Having corners turned down: Specifically refers to the corners of pages that are folded over from being used as placeholders, resulting in a worn, creased appearance.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • He pulled a dog-eared paperback from his backpack.
  • The library copy of the novel was dog-eared and well-loved.
  • She found her notes in a dog-eared notebook.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: Can describe anything that appears worn, tired, or overused from frequent handling or long service.
  • The politician's dog-eared speech failed to inspire the crowd.
• As a Verb (less common): The act of folding down a page corner.
  • I dog-eared the page so I could find the recipe again.

Variants and Related Words

• Dog-ear (noun): The folded-down corner of a page itself.
  • The book was full of dog-ears.
• Dog-ear (verb): To fold down the corner of a page.
  • Please don't dog-ear the library books.

Synonyms

• Worn: Impaired by wear or use.
• Tattered: Torn into shreds; ragged.
• Frayed: Worn away at the edges.
• Creased: Marked by a line or wrinkle, especially from folding.

Antonyms

• Pristine: In its original condition; unspoiled.
• Crisp: Fresh, new, and clean, especially in reference to paper.
• Unblemished: Not damaged or marked in any way.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Well-thumbed: Similar in meaning, describing a book that has been read often, as evidenced by the state of its pages.
  • He consulted his well-thumbed dictionary.

Adjective

1. worn or shabby from overuse or (of pages) from having corners turned down
   • a somewhat dog-eared duke...a bit run down-Clifton Fadiman
   • an old book with dog-eared pages