# Jeff

/ˈdʒɛf/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/jeff
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

to cut the edges of a book or stack of paper so they are straight and even. You do this during the final steps of making a book.

For teachers: to trim the edges of a book or stack of paper to ensure uniformity and smoothness. Transitive; primarily used in the context of bookbinding and commercial printing.

## Examples

- The machine will jeff the edges of the new books.
- After the pages were sewn together, the binder had to jeff the edges to create a professional finish.
- In traditional bookbinding, the artisan would carefully jeff the text block to ensure that no uneven pages remained before applying the gold leaf to the edges.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, typically a book or paper stack.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.