Pronunciation: [dˈə͡ʊd͡ʒe͡əd] (IPA) 
The word "dogeared" is spelled with a silent "g" and pronounced as /dɔɡɪrd/. It means a book or a page that is worn, folded, or bent at the edge, resembling a dog's ear. The term "dogeared" has its origin from the practice of trained dogs using their teeth to mark pages in a book. This word is commonly used to describe a well-loved book that has been read many times, resulting in the worn-out look of its pages.
Dogeared is an adjective that describes a condition in which the pages of a book or document are bent, folded, or wrinkled, typically at the corners. When a book is frequently read or used, its pages can become worn or damaged, resulting in dogeared pages. This term often specifically refers to the bending or folding of the upper corners of pages, making them appear rounded or pointed.
The word "dogeared" originates from the similarity that these folded or bent pages bear to the ears of a dog, which are typically triangular in shape. This term is commonly used to indicate a well-read or well-loved book, as dogeared pages are often seen as a sign of a book's popularity and frequent use.
The act of dogearing pages can be intentional or unintentional. Some readers purposely fold the corners of pages to mark their progress or return to particular passages for later reference, while others find this practice as an effective way to quickly locate a specific page or section.
Apart from books, dogeared can also be used to describe other paper-based materials, such as documents or notes, that have bent or folded corners due to repeated handling or careless storage.
In a figurative sense, "dogeared" can be used to describe anything that appears worn, tattered, or damaged due to age, use, or neglect, beyond just physical books and pages.
The word "dogeared" has its origins in the late 18th century and is derived from two separate words: "dog" and "eared".
The term "dog" here does not refer to the animal, but rather is used in a metaphorical sense to mean "inferior" or "of low quality". This usage of "dog" as a negative descriptor can be traced back to Middle English and has persisted in phrases like "dog days" (referring to the hottest days of summer) and "dog watch" (a two-hour shift in the navy considered the worst duty).
The word "eared" is a simple adjective referring to something having ears or ear-shaped parts. The phrase "dog-eared" was primarily used to describe the condition of a book's pages that had been folded or turned down repeatedly, resembling the ears of a dog.
