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

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."

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."

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 notes

In 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

biography → references works cited citation →

Common pairings

annotated bibliography compile a bibliography select bibliography

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Test yourself on “bibliography” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

Her essay lost marks because the _____ was incomplete.

Etymology

From Greek biblion, meaning book, and graphia, meaning writing, via French bibliographie.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

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reference list works cited source list further reading

Rhymes for bibliography

geography biography topography photography pornography calligraphy choreography autobiography chromatography cinematography

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.