incipit
noun
in·ci·pit
ˈin(t)-sə-pət 
ˈiŋ-kə-ˌpit
ˈiŋ-kə-ˌpit
in-ˈsi-pət,
-ˈki-
: the first part : beginning
specifically
: the opening words of a text of a medieval manuscript or early printed book
Examples of incipit in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There is an ineluctable emotional stamp on the incipit of just about all of Brahms’ mature chamber works — the opening seconds set an affective tone that can last the entire piece.
—
Lukas Schulze, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2022
Lukas Schulze, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2022
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'incipit.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near incipit
Cite this Entry
“Incipit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incipit. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share