frontispiece

noun

fron·​tis·​piece ˈfrən-tə-ˌspēs How to pronounce frontispiece (audio)
1
a
: the principal front of a building
b
: a decorated pediment over a portico or window
2
: an illustration preceding and usually facing the title page of a book or magazine

Examples of frontispiece in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The state was ultimately made for (and of) the subjects, rather than the subjects for the state: the original frontispiece of Leviathan shows a mighty king constructed out of thousands of tiny men. — John Micklethwait, Foreign Affairs, 29 May 2014 The frontispiece from the autobiography and a few dresses are shown in the exhibition. — Alicia Ault, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French frontispice, from Late Latin frontispicium facade, from Latin front-, frons + -i- + specere to look at — more at spy

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of frontispiece was in 1598

Rhymes for frontispiece

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Browse Nearby Words

frontis
frontispiece
frontlash
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Cite this Entry

“Frontispiece.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frontispiece. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

frontispiece

noun
fron·​tis·​piece ˈfrənt-ə-ˌspēs How to pronounce frontispiece (audio)
: an illustration facing the title page of a book

More from Merriam-Webster on frontispiece

Nglish: Translation of frontispiece for Spanish Speakers

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