What Does "BOOKMARK" Mean? The Complete Bookmark Definition
The meaning of BOOKMARK is a marker used to save a place in a book or other text so you can return to it later. The BOOKMARK definition also includes the digital sense: a saved link in a browser or app that lets you revisit a webpage quickly. As a verb, what does BOOKMARK mean? It means to mark or save something for future reference, whether on paper or online.
In everyday English, BOOKMARK used in English is common in both reading and technology. Historically, the word comes from combining book and mark, literally a mark for a book. In modern usage, it can also be used figuratively, as when you “bookmark” an idea or article to come back to later. So the BOOKMARK meaning is practical, familiar, and strongly tied to organization.
Bookmark Synonyms: Words Similar to BOOKMARK
BOOKMARK synonyms include several words that overlap depending on whether you mean the physical object or the digital action.
- marker — A general term for something that marks a place, but it is broader and less specific than bookmark.
- place marker — This is very close in meaning, especially for a physical slip or ribbon used in a book.
- tab — Often used for a browser save point or divider, though it is more technical than bookmark.
- save — In digital contexts, this refers to storing content for later, but it does not always imply a bookmark specifically.
- flag — Common in apps and email, where it means highlighting something to return to, though it can suggest urgency.
- pointer — Sometimes used informally for a reference point, but it is less common as a direct BOOKMARK synonym.
How to Use "BOOKMARK" in a Sentence: Real Examples
Here are a few clear examples of BOOKMARK in a sentence:
- I placed a ribbon as a bookmark so I could find my page later.
- Please bookmark this article if you want to read it again.
- The browser bookmark saved my favorite recipe website.
- She used a sticky note as a bookmark inside her history textbook.
BOOKMARK in NYT Connections #1123 — Why Did It Appear?
In NYT Connections puzzle #1123 on 2026-04-14, BOOKMARK appeared in the Yellow group, the hardest category titled “THINGS STORED BY A BROWSER.” The other words in the group were CACHE, COOKIE, and HISTORY, all of which are data a browser keeps. That makes BOOKMARK meaning in word games a little tricky, because the clue is not about reading materials at all but about internet storage.
If you were asking what does BOOKMARK mean in NYT Connections, the answer is that it fits the browser theme as something saved for later access. The BOOKMARK NYT Connections answer was challenging because many solvers think of bookmarks only as physical page markers, not browser-saved links. For players focused on word meaning rather than web terminology, it could easily feel confusing.
Bookmark Word Origin and Etymology
The BOOKMARK origin is straightforward: it is a compound of the Old English-derived word book and the noun mark, which comes from Germanic roots meaning a sign or boundary. The term originally described a physical marker placed in a book to show a reading position. Over time, the word kept that core idea of “a saved place.”
As technology evolved, the meaning expanded into computing. A browser bookmark works the same way as a paper bookmark: it preserves a location so you can return to it later. That semantic shift helped BOOKMARK definition grow from print to digital culture without losing its original meaning. Today, the word is fully standard in both senses.
Frequently Asked Questions About "BOOKMARK"
What does BOOKMARK mean? (Quick Answer)
The word BOOKMARK means a marker used to save your place in a book or a saved link in a browser. As a verb, it means to mark something for later.
Is "BOOKMARK" a valid Scrabble word?
Yes, BOOKMARK is a real word and it is valid in Scrabble. It scores 18 points in standard English Scrabble play. It is useful in word games because it combines common letters and a clear, dictionary-approved meaning.
What is the best synonym for BOOKMARK?
The best BOOKMARK synonym depends on context: marker fits the physical meaning, while save or tab fits the digital sense.
How do you pronounce BOOKMARK?
BOOK-mark — stressed on the first syllable: /ˈbʊk.mɑːrk/ or /ˈbʊk.mɑːrk/.
Is BOOKMARK used in everyday English?
Yes, it is contemporary and very common in everyday English. People use it when talking about reading, web browsing, saving articles, or returning to a page later.