dog's-ear: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, slightly dated
Quick answer
What does “dog's-ear” mean?
A folded-down corner of a page in a book, used as a bookmark.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A folded-down corner of a page in a book, used as a bookmark.
To fold down the corner of a page (as a verb). The resulting state or appearance of such a folded page (as a noun). Can imply casual or careless handling of books.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling varies: 'dog-ear' (no apostrophe 's') is standard in American English. British English more commonly accepts both 'dog-ear' and 'dog's-ear', with the latter being a traditional possessive form.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties: informal, sometimes frowned upon by bibliophiles.
Frequency
More common in American English as a verb ('to dog-ear a page'). In British English, the phrase 'turn down the corner' is a frequent periphrastic alternative.
Grammar
How to Use “dog's-ear” in a Sentence
[Subject] dog's-ears [Object: page/book][Object: page] is dog's-earedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dog's-ear” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Please don't dog's-ear the pages of the library book.
- He had dog's-eared all the important recipes in the cookbook.
American English
- I always dog-ear my favorite passages.
- She dog-eared the page to mark her place.
adverb
British English
- The page lay dog's-eared and forgotten.
American English
- The magazine sat dog-eared on the table.
adjective
British English
- The dog's-eared novel showed it had been read many times.
- He handed me a dog's-eared manual.
American English
- The dog-eared paperback was falling apart.
- A dog-eared copy of the constitution sat on the desk.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'The report was dog's-eared from being passed around the office.'
Academic
Used descriptively in textual studies or bibliography to describe the condition of a book.
Everyday
Common when discussing reading habits and book care.
Technical
In library science or book conservation, the term 'corner fold' or 'folded corner' is more precise.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dog's-ear”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dog's-ear”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dog's-ear”
- Using 'dog-ears' as a singular noun (singular is 'dog's-ear' or 'dog-ear').
- Misspelling as 'dogears' or 'dog eared' without the hyphen.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'dog's-ear' is a traditional possessive form and is acceptable, especially in British English. However, the closed compound 'dog-ear' is more prevalent in modern usage, particularly in American English.
It depends on context. In personal books, it's a common, practical habit. For library books, rare editions, or borrowed items, it is generally considered improper and damaging.
The adjective is 'dog's-eared' (or 'dog-eared'). It describes something with folded-down corners or, metaphorically, something worn from use (e.g., a dog-eared passport).
Primarily, yes. However, it can be extended metaphorically to other paper items like documents, magazines, or notebooks. It is not used for digital 'pages'.
A folded-down corner of a page in a book, used as a bookmark.
Dog's-ear is usually informal, slightly dated in register.
Dog's-ear: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒɡz ɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɔːɡ ɪr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A well-loved book is often well dog's-eared.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a dog with one floppy ear, looking like a folded page.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BOOK IS A LIVING BEING (its pages have 'ears').
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common modern American English spelling for the verb?