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front matter

noun

Definition of front matter

: matter preceding the main text of a book

Examples of front matter in a Sentence

The conventions of the book are explained in the front matter.

Recent Examples on the Web

 Some of Richard McGuire’s sequences are taxonomies: bird cages, hats, ice, or the collection of wire shapes that decorates the front matter of this book. — The New York Review of Books, "Luc Sante," 13 Oct. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'front matter.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of front matter

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for front matter

front matter

noun

English Language Learners Definition of front matter

: the pages at the beginning of a book before the main part

See the full definition for front matter in the English Language Learners Dictionary

More from Merriam-Webster on front matter

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with front matter

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