IPA: /blɜːrb/
KK: /blɜrb/
A short description or promotional notice about a book, film, or product, often found on the cover or in advertisements.
The author wrote a catchy blurb to attract readers to her new novel.
To write a short description or promotional text for something, like a book or movie.
She was asked to blurb the new novel for the publisher's website.
Past: blurbed
Past Participle: blurbed
The word 'blurb' originates from American English, coined in the early 20th century, and is believed to be a playful alteration of the word 'blurb' used to describe a brief promotional description or summary, particularly on the cover of a book. It does not have clear roots in Latin, Greek, or other historical languages.
Think of a 'blurb' as a brief and catchy description that 'bubbles up' to grab your attention, making it easier to remember that it’s a short summary.