out of print — (of a book or other publication) no longer available from the publisher because it is no longer being printed
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: (of a book or other publication) no longer available from the publisher because it is no longer being printed
Pronunciation (IPA): /aʊt əv prɪnt/
Example Sentences
- The vampire romance novel she desperately wanted was out of print, so she had to pay $200 for a used copy on eBay.
- My professor assigned a textbook that's been out of print for 20 years - thanks for nothing, Prof!
- Many classic literature books from the early 1900s are now out of print and considered rare collectibles.
out of print
ADJECTIVE[/aʊt əv prɪnt/]
(of a book or other publication) no longer available from the publisher because it is no longer being printed
a bookstore owner shakes his head sadly while holding up his hands in a helpless gesture toward a hopeful customer. The customer points eagerly at an empty space on the bookshelf where a book once sat. The bookstore owner gestures toward a small stack of the same book sitting behind the counter with a large red stamp mark across the cover. The customer's shoulders slump in disappointment as she realizes she cannot buy the book anymore. Other customers browse nearby shelves filled with available books while this particular title remains out of reach. a book that is no longer available from the publisher because it is no longer being printed
This out of print gem gives just a hint of what mint condition used to mean!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase combines Old English 'ut' (out, outside) with 'print', which derives from Latin 'premere' (to press). The expression emerged in the publishing industry to describe books no longer actively produced or available from the publisher, literally meaning 'pressed out of circulation'.
Breakdown
out- (outside, away) + of (from, denoting separation) + print (from Latin premere, to press; the act of pressing ink onto paper to reproduce text). Together, the phrase signifies removal from the active printing and distribution process.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The vampire romance novel she desperately wanted was out of print, so she had to pay $200 for a used copy on eBay.”
“My professor assigned a textbook that's been out of print for 20 years - thanks for nothing, Prof!”
“Many classic literature books from the early 1900s are now out of print and considered rare collectibles.”
“The publisher decided to bring the bestselling cookbook back after it had been out of print for five years.”
📚Related Words
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