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Dust jacket: meaning, definitions and examples

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dust jacket

[ ˈdʌst ˈdʒækɪt ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

book cover

A removable paper cover used to protect a book. It usually contains the title, author's name, and artwork related to the book.

Synonyms

book cover, protector.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dust jacket	Use 'dust jacket' when referring to the paper cover that wraps around a hardcover book, often with a design, summary, or promotional text. This term is specific to the removable cover and emphasizes its protective and decorative function. The dust jacket of the new novel is beautifully designed, making it a collector's item. Be careful with the dust jacket; it’s easy to tear.
book cover	Use 'book cover' to describe the outer part of any book, whether it’s hardcover or paperback. This term is more general and applies to both the permanent cover and any protective outer layer. I always judge a book by its cover, at least at first glance. The book cover got damaged after it fell off the shelf.
protector	Use 'protector' when discussing anything specifically designed to protect the book from damage, such as plastic covers or sleeves. This term is more utilitarian and emphasizes the protective function rather than the aesthetic aspect. She placed a plastic protector over her favorite textbook to keep it in good condition. Adding a dust protector can help preserve the value of rare books.

Word

Description / Examples

dust jacket

Use 'dust jacket' when referring to the paper cover that wraps around a hardcover book, often with a design, summary, or promotional text. This term is specific to the removable cover and emphasizes its protective and decorative function.

The dust jacket of the new novel is beautifully designed, making it a collector's item.
Be careful with the dust jacket; it’s easy to tear.

book cover

Use 'book cover' to describe the outer part of any book, whether it’s hardcover or paperback. This term is more general and applies to both the permanent cover and any protective outer layer.

I always judge a book by its cover, at least at first glance.
The book cover got damaged after it fell off the shelf.

protector

Use 'protector' when discussing anything specifically designed to protect the book from damage, such as plastic covers or sleeves. This term is more utilitarian and emphasizes the protective function rather than the aesthetic aspect.

She placed a plastic protector over her favorite textbook to keep it in good condition.
Adding a dust protector can help preserve the value of rare books.

Examples of usage

The dust jacket of this novel has a beautiful illustration on it.
Don't throw away the dust jacket, it helps protect the book.

Translations

Translations of the word "dust jacket" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sobrecapa

🇮🇳 धूल कवर

🇩🇪 Schutzumschlag

🇮🇩 sampul debu

🇺🇦 суперобкладинка

🇵🇱 obwoluta

🇯🇵 カバー

🇫🇷 jaquette

🇪🇸 sobrecubierta

🇹🇷 toz ceket

🇰🇷 책 커버

🇸🇦 غلاف الغبار

🇨🇿 prachový přebal

🇸🇰 prachový obal

🇨🇳 书皮

🇸🇮 prašni ovitek

🇮🇸 rykblaðka

🇰🇿 шаң қаптамасы

🇬🇪 მტვრის ქურთუკი

🇦🇿 toz örtüyü

🇲🇽 sobrecubierta

Etymology

The dust jacket, also known as a dust wrapper or book jacket, originated in the 19th century as a way to protect expensive books from dust and wear. Initially used only for expensive editions, it eventually became a standard feature of most hardcover books. The dust jacket also became a way to market and promote the book, with eye-catching designs and artwork drawing readers' attention. Today, dust jackets are an integral part of the publishing industry, serving both practical and aesthetic purposes.