centrefold: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, sometimes humorous or pejorative. The specific 'model' sense is culturally marked and often considered dated.
Quick answer
What does “centrefold” mean?
A large, central illustration, photograph, or feature in a magazine or newspaper that is designed to be folded out and viewed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, central illustration, photograph, or feature in a magazine or newspaper that is designed to be folded out and viewed.
Most commonly refers specifically to the nude or semi-nude photographic model, typically female, featured in the central fold-out of a magazine (especially men's magazines like Playboy). By extension, can refer to the model herself or to the entire feature.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'centrefold' (UK) vs. 'centerfold' (US). The concept and primary meaning are identical.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties. Strongly associated with a specific era of magazine publishing.
Frequency
More frequent in historical or cultural commentary than in everyday modern conversation. Frequency of use is similar in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “centrefold” in a Sentence
[Subject] became a centrefold for [Magazine].[Magazine] featured [Person] as its centrefold.The centrefold of [Publication] showed [Image].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “centrefold” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The magazine planned to centrefold the interview with the artist, but the layout was changed.
adjective
British English
- The centrefold feature was the most talked-about part of the issue.
American English
- The centerfold model became an instant celebrity.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in publishing/media contexts discussing magazine layout, format, or historical business models.
Academic
Used in cultural studies, media studies, or gender studies analysing representation in print media.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation except in historical or joking reference ('He still has old centrefolds in his garage').
Technical
In printing/publishing, refers strictly to the physical folded page layout.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “centrefold”
- Using it to refer to any attractive person in any context (too specific).
- Spelling it as one word 'centerfold' in UK English contexts.
- Confusing it with 'cover model'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the core meaning is any large fold-out feature in the centre of a publication. However, the most common and culturally salient use is for the nude/glamour model feature in magazines like Playboy.
A 'pin-up' is a picture of an attractive person designed to be pinned on a wall; it can come from many sources. A 'centrefold' specifically comes from the centre of a magazine and is designed to be folded out. Many centrefolds became pin-ups.
Its use has declined with the decline of physical, mass-market men's magazines. It is now used more in historical or figurative contexts than to describe current magazine features.
Rarely. In professional publishing jargon, it can mean 'to make (an item) the centrefold', but this is highly specialised and not common in general English.
A large, central illustration, photograph, or feature in a magazine or newspaper that is designed to be folded out and viewed.
Centrefold is usually informal, sometimes humorous or pejorative. the specific 'model' sense is culturally marked and often considered dated. in register.
Centrefold: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛntəfəʊld/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛn(t)ərfoʊld/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[He/She] could be a centrefold.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the CENTRE of a magazine that you FOLD out to see the full picture.
Conceptual Metaphor
PHYSICAL ATTRACTIVENESS IS A COMMODITY TO BE DISPLAYED.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'centrefold' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?