incipit

noun

in·​ci·​pit ˈin(t)-sə-pət How to pronounce incipit (audio) ˈiŋ-kə-ˌpit How to pronounce incipit (audio)
in-ˈsi-pət,
-ˈki-
: the first part : beginning
specifically : the opening words of a text of a medieval manuscript or early printed book

Examples of incipit 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.
There is an ineluctable emotional stamp on the incipit of just about all of Brahms’ mature chamber works — the opening seconds set an affective tone that can last the entire piece. Lukas Schulze, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Latin, it begins, from incipere

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of incipit was in 1897

Dictionary Entries Near incipit

Cite this Entry

“Incipit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incipit. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on incipit

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!