noun

incunabulum

in-kyoo-NAB-yuh-luhm

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Incunabulum (noun) means a book, sheet or image printed in Europe before the year 1501. Example: “The museum's collection includes a rare incunabulum printed in Venice.”

noun

A book, sheet or image printed in Europe before the year 1501.

"The museum's collection includes a rare incunabulum printed in Venice."

"Scholars date the incunabulum by its type and paper."

"Only a handful of copies of this incunabulum survive today."

The earliest stage, origin or birthplace of something, usually spoken of in the plural.

"Historians traced the incunabula of the movement back to a small reading group."

"The old workshop is often described as the incunabulum of the company."

How to use incunabulum

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn incunabulum is one of the very first printed books, made before 1501, back when printing itself was brand new.

When to use it

It is a specialist term used mainly by book historians, librarians and collectors.

Memory tip

Remember the Latin root cradle: an incunabulum comes from printing's own cradle, its earliest years.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

incunable

Common pairings

rare incunabulum surviving incunabula printed incunabulum collection of incunabula

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The museum's collection includes a rare _____ printed in Venice.

Etymology

Incunabulum was borrowed from Latin incunabulum, meaning cradle or origin, which itself points to the idea of something at its very beginning.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for incunabulum

pendulum curriculum

See all rhymes for incunabulum →

Frequently asked questions

What is an incunabulum?

It is a book, single sheet or image that was printed in Europe before the year 1501, in the earliest years of printing.

What is the plural of incunabulum?

The plural is incunabula.

Is incunabulum the same as incunable?

Yes, incunable is an accepted alternative form of incunabulum with the same printing-history meaning.

What is the meaning of incunabulum?

"incunabulum" (noun) means a book, sheet or image printed in Europe before the year 1501.