# verso

/vˈɜːsəʊ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/verso
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

the left-hand page of a book or document. It is the page that faces the right-hand page, which is called the recto.

For teachers: the left-hand page of a book or document, facing the recto. Often used in the context of bookbinding, typography, or manuscript studies to describe the physical orientation of a page.

## Examples

- The artist signed the verso of the painting.
- In many traditional books, the text is printed on the recto, while the verso remains blank for notes.
- The librarian noted that the marginalia were written on the verso of the folios, suggesting the owner had a habit of reading from right to left.

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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.