carriage return: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical, Historical
Quick answer
What does “carriage return” mean?
A control character or action that moves the cursor to the beginning of a new line in text processing or typing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A control character or action that moves the cursor to the beginning of a new line in text processing or typing.
Historically, the mechanism on a typewriter that returned the carriage to the start of the line; in computing, the key or character (often CR or \r) that performs this function, sometimes combined with a line feed (\n) to create a newline.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling of 'carriage' is consistent. The conceptual understanding might be slightly more historical in BrE due to later adoption of computers in some formal contexts, but this is negligible.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general language but standard in technical IT/computing discourse in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “carriage return” in a Sentence
[verb] + carriage return (e.g., press, insert, use)carriage return + [noun] (e.g., character, key, code)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “carriage return” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You must carriage-return at the end of each field.
- The system automatically carriage-returns after 80 characters.
American English
- The protocol requires you to carriage return before the line feed.
- Older software would carriage return but not line feed.
adjective
British English
- The carriage-return mechanism was prone to jamming.
- Check the carriage-return code in the settings.
American English
- A carriage-return malfunction halted the print job.
- He examined the carriage-return character sequence.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in IT departments or when discussing document formatting: 'Ensure the data fields don't contain extra carriage returns.'
Academic
Used in computer science, information studies, or historical technology papers: 'The teletype required a separate carriage return and line feed.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation. An older person might reference it nostalgically.
Technical
Core term in programming, data processing, and systems design: 'The file uses CRLF (Carriage Return Line Feed) line endings.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “carriage return”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “carriage return”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “carriage return”
- Using 'carriage return' to mean any whitespace.
- Confusing CR (\r) with LF (\n) in programming contexts.
- Pronouncing 'return' as 're-turn' instead of 'ri-turn'.
- Using it in non-technical contexts where 'Enter key' or 'new line' is sufficient.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
On modern keyboards, the 'Enter' or 'Return' key typically sends a command that includes a carriage return (and often a line feed). Historically, they were separate concepts, but the key is now named for its primary function.
CRLF stands for Carriage Return Line Feed. It is a sequence of two control characters (\r\n) used to denote a newline in Windows systems and various internet protocols.
The term originates from typewriters, where the 'carriage' was the moving assembly that held the paper. Pressing the return lever would 'return' this carriage to the right-hand starting position.
Yes, especially when handling text files across different operating systems (Windows, Unix/Linux, classic Mac). Inconsistent line endings (CR, LF, or CRLF) can cause parsing errors, bugs, and display issues.
A control character or action that moves the cursor to the beginning of a new line in text processing or typing.
Carriage return is usually technical, historical in register.
Carriage return: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkærɪdʒ rɪˌtɜːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkærɪdʒ rɪˌtɜrn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an old typewriter's CARRIAGE (the moving part holding the paper) physically RETURNING to the left margin with a loud 'ding'. In software, the 'carriage return' character does the digital equivalent.
Conceptual Metaphor
TEXT IS A TYPEWRITER / A DOCUMENT IS A PHYSICAL PAGE. The screen cursor inherits the behavior of the mechanical carriage.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary modern technical meaning of 'carriage return'?