noun
bibliography
bib-lee-OG-ruh-fee
Bibliography (noun) means a list of the books, articles and other sources used or consulted for a piece of writing, usually placed at the end. Example: “Her essay lost marks because the bibliography was incomplete.”
noun
1
A list of the books, articles and other sources used or consulted for a piece of writing, usually placed at the end.
"Her essay lost marks because the bibliography was incomplete."
"Add every source you read to the bibliography, even the ones you did not quote."
2
A published list of writings on a particular subject or by a particular author.
"The museum has compiled a bibliography of everything written about the painter."
3
The academic study of books as physical objects, including their printing, editions and history.
"He teaches bibliography and the history of the book."
How to use bibliography
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe list of everything you read or used to write something.
When to use it
Neutral and academic; standard in essays, dissertations and research papers.
Memory tip
A bibliography is a list of sources; a biography is the story of a person's life.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
annotated bibliography
compile a bibliography
select bibliography
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Her essay lost marks because the _____ was incomplete.
Etymology
From Greek biblion, meaning book, and graphia, meaning writing, via French bibliographie.
Synonyms
View more →
reference list
works cited
source list
further reading
Rhymes for bibliography
geography
biography
demography
tomography
topography
lithography
iconography
photography
pornography
calligraphy
oceanography
choreography
See all rhymes for bibliography →
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a bibliography and a works cited page?
A works cited page lists only the sources you actually quoted or referred to in the text, and is standard in MLA style. A bibliography can be broader, including background reading that shaped your work but was never cited. Check which one your style guide asks for before you submit.
What is an annotated bibliography?
It is a bibliography in which each source is followed by a short paragraph, usually two to five sentences, summarising the source and explaining why it is useful. Tutors set them to show that you have genuinely read and evaluated your sources.
What is the meaning of bibliography?
"bibliography" (noun) means a list of the books, articles and other sources used or consulted for a piece of writing, usually placed at the end.
What is another word for bibliography?
Other words for "bibliography" include reference list, works cited, source list, further reading.
