edition

The word “edition” means a particular version of a published work, issued at a specific time or in a specific format. In plain terms, a specific version of a book, newspaper, or event.

“Edition” is pronounced ih-DIHSHN (/ɪˈdɪʃ(ə)n/ in IPA).

Here is “edition” used in a sentence: “This is a first edition of the novel, worth far more than a reprint.”

“Edition” is a noun.

The word “edition” comes from Latin. From Latin editio, from edere ("to give out, publish").

“Edition” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Edition” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a particular version of a published work, issued at a specific time or in a specific format.

They sound alike but differ completely. An edition is a particular version of a published work, such as a first edition of a book. An addition is something added, or the maths operation of summing numbers. The confusion between them is purely about spelling and sound, not about meaning.

The terms overlap, but edition traditionally refers to a specific issue of a printed work, such as a revised or paperback edition, while version is broader and common for software or variants. An edition is usually tied to a release date or format, whereas versions can differ in many ways.

A first edition is the earliest printing of a book, from its first print run before any revisions or reprints. Collectors prize genuine first editions, especially of famous or influential titles, because they are original and often scarce, which can make them valuable to buyers and libraries alike.

Common kinds include the first edition, revised or updated editions, paperback and hardback editions, and limited, collector's, or anniversary editions. In media, edition can also mean a single issue of a newspaper or a particular broadcast, such as the evening edition of a news programme.