bookend
bookend Lexical Profile
bookend Game Scores & Validity
• noun
One of two things that begin and end a series, period, or event, marking its boundaries.
"His career was marked by two championship victories that served as perfect bookends to a decade of dominance."
A heavy object placed at the end of a row of books to keep them standing upright, typically used in pairs.
"She bought a pair of heavy brass bookends shaped like owls for her desk."
• verb
To occur or be located at the beginning and end of something, essentially framing it.
"The arts festival is bookended by a grand opening parade and a spectacular fireworks display."
Word Origin & Etymology
Early 20th century (first recorded around 1907). Formed as a compound of 'book' and 'end', originally describing the physical object used to hold books upright.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.