folio

1 of 2

noun

fo·​lio ˈfō-lē-ˌō How to pronounce folio (audio)
plural folios
1
a
: a leaf especially of a manuscript or book
b
: a leaf number
c
: a page number
d
: an identifying reference in accounting used in posting
2
a
: a sheet of paper folded once
b
: a case or folder for loose papers
3
a
: the size of a piece of paper cut two from a sheet
also : paper or a page of this size
b
: a book printed on folio pages
c
: a book of the largest size
4
: a certain number of words taken as a unit or division in a document for purposes of measurement or reference

folio

2 of 2

verb

folioed; folioing; folios

transitive verb

: to put a serial number on each leaf or page of

Examples of folio in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
This rugged folio case also offers a bevy of kid-proof features. Tanya Edwards, Parents, 13 Mar. 2024 Montgomery, who is wearing a gray jacket, was captured in the video setting her folio on the top of the parent’s car and administering blows to the baby’s back. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2024 The keyboard folio is an extra $149 and feels like another budget option. Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica, 28 Apr. 2023 In an upcoming exhibition at the Freer Gallery of Art, more than 20 folios from the manuscript—including nine depicting the story of Alexander the Great—show how the Mongols consciously inserted themselves into the history of Iran. Roger Catlin, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Jan. 2024 Further Reading Here’s what caused black stains on Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Atlanticus And just last month, researchers examined mysterious black stains on a folio of Leonardo's Codex Atlanticus and confirmed the presence of starch and vinyl glues in the affected areas. Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 9 June 2023 For some collectors, possessing a Shakespeare folio has proved hazardous to their health. Roy Rivenburg, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 Nov. 2023 There are hard-shell, soft-shell, folio, and roll-up varieties that are designed with different layers of pouches, elastics, zippers, and pockets. Kelsey Glennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2023 While there is a ton of interesting material here, the most enchanting parts of the show are the moments when two enthusiasts regard the folio together, lock eyes, and then just kind of Shakespeare out with each other in mutual glee. Margaret Lyons, New York Times, 16 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'folio.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Latin, ablative of folium

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1858, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of folio was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near folio

Cite this Entry

“Folio.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/folio. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

folio

noun
fo·​lio
ˈfō-lē-ˌō
plural folios
1
: a leaf of a manuscript or book
2
a
: a book made up of sheets of paper that have been folded to produce two leaves
b
: a very large book

Legal Definition

folio

noun
fo·​lio ˈfō-lē-ˌō How to pronounce folio (audio)
: a certain number of words taken as a unit or division in a document for purposes of measurement or reference

Note: A folio by statutory provision generally consists of 100 words.

More from Merriam-Webster on folio

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