What does edition mean?
An edition is a particular version or printing of a published work — a book, magazine, or newspaper — issued at one time or distinguished by specific textual revisions, formatting, or publisher choices. The word also covers broadcast contexts, as in an evening edition of a news program. In publishing, precision matters: a new edition typically involves substantive changes to the text, whereas a mere reprinting from the same type is called a new printing or impression. Collectors attach special value to first editions, which often command high prices when the work becomes celebrated. Common pairings include limited edition, revised edition, and collector's edition. Derived from the Latin verb meaning "to give out" or "publish," the noun entered English in the late sixteenth century and remains central to the vocabulary of books, journalism, and media.
nounA particular form or version in which a book, newspaper, or other published text is issued; also, the total number of copies of such a text printed from the same setting of type.
- A specific version or printing of a published text (book, newspaper, etc.), especially one distinguished by revisions, format, or publisher.
- The whole number of copies of a book printed at one time from substantially the same type.
- A broadcast or issue of a program or publication appearing on a given occasion (e.g. an evening edition of a news show).
"The first edition of the novel sold out within a week."
"She keeps a signed first edition of Pride and Prejudice on her shelf."
"The evening edition of the paper carried the full election results."
Regular plural; used when referring to multiple versions or printings of works.
"Rare editions of the poet's works are held in the university library."
Every copy of a book's first printing shares its "edition" — but only the ones printed from that original type-setting count, which is why first editions can be worth fortunes.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of edition
"Edition" derives from the Latin "editio", meaning a giving out or publication, from the verb "edere" (to give out, publish), itself formed from "e-" (out) and "dare" (to give). The word passed into English via French in the late sixteenth century, initially referring broadly to the act of publishing before narrowing to its modern sense of a particular version or printing of a text. It shares this Latin root with related words such as "edit", "editor", and "editorial".
Related word forms
How edition is actually used
"Edition" is neutral to formal in register and appears frequently in publishing, collecting, and media contexts. In bibliographic use it is distinct from "printing": a new printing with no textual changes is not a new edition. Collectors prize terms like "first edition," which carry connotations of rarity and value.
Easily confused with edition
"Addition" means the act or process of adding something, while "edition" refers to a particular version or printing of a published work.