WordGarden.iobookmark
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /bˈʊkmɑːk/
US
- /ˈbʊkmɑrk/
Meanings
Noun
a saved webpage, link, or item kept for easy return later
a strip or marker placed in a book to keep your place
Verb
to save a webpage, article, or digital item so you can return to it later
to mark your place in a book or document so you can find it again
Beyond the definition
Imagine you're lost in the pages of an amazing story, but life calls—dinner's ready, or it's time for bed. That's where a bookmark comes in! Traditionally, a bookmark is a small piece of ribbon, paper, leather, or even a pressed flower slipped between the pages to hold your place. But these days, the term "bookmark" has expanded beyond physical books.
In the digital world, a bookmark is a saved link or location within a website or document—like flagging your favorite recipe online or saving an important article to read later. Whether it's keeping your spot in Pride and Prejudice or remembering where you left off on a research paper, a bookmark ensures you can easily return to exactly where you stopped. It's a little helper for the avid reader and web explorer alike!
A bookmark is fundamentally a placeholder—something used to mark a specific point in a book, document, or webpage so you can easily resume reading or viewing from that location later. Historically, bookmarks were simple strips of ribbon or paper inserted between pages. These could be plain and functional or beautifully decorated with tassels, embroidery, or even precious metals, becoming collectible items themselves! Think of the ornate silver bookmarks favored by Victorian readers.
However, the meaning of "bookmark" has evolved with technology. In the digital realm, a bookmark is a saved address or location within a website, online document, or video. Web browsers allow you to "bookmark" pages—essentially saving a shortcut to that page for quick access. Social media platforms also use the term; you can "bookmark" posts to revisit them later without having to search through a feed.
The core function remains consistent: to mark and remember. It's about preserving your progress, organizing information, and returning to something of interest without having to search for it again. You might "bookmark" a particularly insightful passage in a novel, or "bookmark" a helpful tutorial video online. It's a small tool with a big impact on how we navigate the world of reading and information.
Examples
- 1
Everyday object
Do you have a bookmark? I lost mine again.
- 2
Reading
She tucked the bookmark into her novel before bed.
- 3
Web browser
I keep my favorite study sites in a separate bookmarks folder.
- 4
Web page
Bookmark this page so you don't have to search for it again.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
App messages
You can bookmark messages in the app and come back to them later.
- 6
Discussion delay
Let's bookmark that question and finish the budget first.
- Patternbookmark something
leave it for now and return to it later
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- bookmarknounverb
Forms
- bookmarkspluralnounverb
- bookmarkedpast tenseverbnoun
- bookmarking-ing formverbnoun