Typo

/ˈtaɪpoʊ/

nounBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

1

A mistake in typed text.

/ˈtaɪpoʊ/

nounneutralBeginner
General

A mistake made in the process of typing.

The document was riddled with typos.

💡 Simply: Oops! It's a little mistake you make when you're typing, like hitting the wrong key or leaving out a letter. We all make them!

👶 For kids: A mistake when you type, like when you hit the wrong button on the keyboard.

More Examples

2

I caught a typo in the headline before it was published.

3

Proofreading helps to eliminate typos.

How It's Used

General Writing

"Correcting typos is an essential part of editing."

Digital Communication

"I apologize for any typos in my email."

Shortening of 'typographical error'. 'Typographical' comes from 'typography', referring to the art of printing, and 'typo' emerged with the widespread adoption of printing technology.

The term 'typo' became common with the widespread use of typewriters and later computers. Earlier, similar errors would have been referred to as printing errors or mistakes.

Memory tip

Think of the letters 'typ' for 'typing' and 'o' for 'oops!' – a typing error.

typeotypoetyoppo

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written