Print

/prɪnt/

verbBeginner🔥Very CommonTechnology
4 meanings2 idioms/phrases4 questions

Definitions

4 meanings
1

To produce a copy of something using a machine or a method involving ink or pressure.

/prɪnt/

verbneutralBeginner
Technology

To produce text or images on a surface, typically paper, by applying ink or pressure.

I need to print this document.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're making copies of your drawing. When you use a printer, you're printing it! It's like making lots of the same picture or words.

👶 For kids: To put words or pictures on paper using a machine!

More Examples

2

The company prints brochures for its customers.

3

She printed the photo on glossy paper.

How It's Used

Technology

"The document was printed using a laser printer."

Journalism

"The newspaper prints articles on local politics."

2

To write letters or numbers clearly, often by hand.

/prɪnt/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To write or mark letters, numbers, or symbols, especially in a way that is easily legible.

The instructions say to print your name.

💡 Simply: When you write your name neatly, not in cursive, you're printing it. It's like drawing each letter separately.

👶 For kids: To write in a neat way, making each letter like a picture!

More Examples

2

He printed the receipt and gave it to the customer.

3

She taught her son to print the numbers one through ten.

How It's Used

Education

"The child is learning to print the alphabet."

Communication

"Please print your name clearly on the form."

Tip:Think of 'clear' and 'legible' writing.
3

A mark made by applying ink to a surface.

/prɪnt/

nounneutralBeginner
General

A mark or impression made by pressure, especially a mark made with ink.

I framed a beautiful print of a painting.

💡 Simply: The picture or words that come out of the printer. Also, a mark like a footprint!

👶 For kids: A picture or words on paper that are made by a machine or your foot!

More Examples

2

He left a muddy print on the floor.

3

The police took a print of his fingerprints.

How It's Used

Art

"The museum displayed a collection of antique prints."

Forensics

"The police found fingerprints as prints."

Tip:Think of the result after something is printed.
4

Written or pictorial matter produced by printing.

/prɪnt/

nounneutralmedium
General

Printed material, especially newspapers, magazines, and books.

She prefers to read the news in print.

💡 Simply: All the books, newspapers, and magazines are printed! This is the world of words and pictures on paper.

👶 For kids: Books, newspapers, and magazines that are printed to read and see!

More Examples

2

The library has a large collection of print materials.

3

Print media is struggling to compete with the Internet.

How It's Used

Journalism

"The story was covered in print and online."

Publishing

"Print media is facing challenges in the digital age."

Tip:Think of the collective materials from printing, newspapers, and books.

Idioms & expressions

in print

Published; available as a printed book or publication.

"The book is still in print after all these years."

between the lines

To discern a meaning that is not explicitly stated.

"Reading between the lines, I realized he wasn't happy."

From Middle English printen, prynten, from Old French preindre (“to press, squeeze, stamp, print”), from Latin premere (“to press”).

The word 'print' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to pressing or stamping. The meaning expanded to include the production of books and documents with the invention of the printing press.

Memory tip

Think of the 'ink' being 'pressed' onto the paper.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to press"

print outprint a documentprint your nameprint mediain printprint the receipt

Common misspellings

preintprynt

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written