What does BLURB mean?

blurb

Parts of Speech: Noun, Verb

Definitions:

• (n) a short description of a book, movie, or other product written for promotional purposes
• (v) to write a short description of a book, movie, or other product for promotional purposes

Pronunciations:

• US: /blɜrb/
• UK: /blɜːb/

Origin and Usage:

The word "blurb" was first used in 1907 by American humorist Gelett Burgess in his book "Are You a Bromide?" According to Burgess, "blurb" was a word he coined to describe the "flamboyant advertisement" on the back of his book. Since then, the word has been used to describe any promotional text or advertisement that attempts to entice consumers to buy a product or service.

Synonyms:

• advertisement
• promo
• teaser
• pitch

Related Words:

• blare
• blase
• blast
• blate
• blent

Example Sentences:

• She read the blurb on the back cover of the book before deciding to buy it.
• The author had to blurb his own book because the publisher didn provide one.
• The movies blurb promised it would be the funniest film of the year.