1. an inscription at the end of a book or manuscript giving details about its publication, printing, or production
Usage: publishing
2. a publisher’s emblem or trademark, especially one appearing on the title page or spine of a book
Usage: publishing

Examples

• The colophon revealed that the book was printed in 1623 by a London publisher.
• Ancient manuscripts often included a colophon with the scribe’s name and date.
• The publisher’s colophon featured an elegant tree design on every book spine.
• Scholars studied the colophon to determine the manuscript’s origin.
• The colophon indicated the book was part of a limited edition printing.
• Medieval colophons sometimes included prayers or personal notes from copyists.