Definition

1. Noun:
   • A removable paper cover for a book: A "dust jacket" is a detachable outer paper cover that wraps around the hard cover of a book. Its primary function is to protect the book's binding from dust and damage.
   • A cover for promotional purposes: This jacket typically features the book's title, author's name, illustrations, and promotional text or reviews on its flaps and back.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The first edition of the novel is valuable, especially with its original dust jacket intact.
  • She carefully removed the dust jacket before reading to keep it from getting torn.
  • The artwork on the dust jacket was what initially attracted me to the book.

Advanced Usage

• "In dust jacket": A phrase used in book collecting to describe a book that still has its original protective paper cover.
  • The rare volume was sold "in dust jacket," significantly increasing its value.

Variants and Related Words

• Book jacket (n): A synonym for "dust jacket."
  • The book jacket was designed by a famous artist.
• Dust cover (n): Another common term with the same meaning.
  • Please place the dust cover back on the book after you're done.
• Jacket flap (n): The folded-in part of a dust jacket that often contains a summary or author biography.
  • The synopsis on the jacket flap convinced me to buy the book.

Synonyms

• Book cover (when referring specifically to this outer paper layer).
• Wrapper (a less common, more technical term in publishing).

Related Phrases

• To jacket a book: The act of putting a dust jacket on a book.
  • The librarian carefully jacketed the new acquisitions.

Related Idioms

Noun

1. a paper jacket for a book; a jacket on which promotional information is usually printed