flexography: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low FrequencyTechnical / Industrial
Quick answer
What does “flexography” mean?
A rotary printing process using flexible rubber plates and fast-drying inks, primarily used for packaging.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rotary printing process using flexible rubber plates and fast-drying inks, primarily used for packaging.
A method of relief printing commonly employed for printing on non-porous materials like plastic, metallic films, and cardboard, especially in high-volume packaging production.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The word is used identically in both technical contexts.
Connotations
Technical, industrial, efficient, modern printing method.
Frequency
Equally rare in general usage in both varieties, but standard within the printing industry worldwide.
Grammar
How to Use “flexography” in a Sentence
[N] is printed using flexographyThe company specialises in [N]The advantages of [N] include...[N] on [material]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flexography” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The flexography unit was down for maintenance.
- We need flexography plates for the new run.
American English
- The flexographic press runs 24/7.
- We ordered new flexographic sleeves.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in manufacturing and packaging company meetings regarding production methods and cost-efficiency.
Academic
Found in papers on materials science, industrial engineering, and graphic communications.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary register. Used in specifications, machine manuals, and trade publications for the printing and packaging industries.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flexography”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flexography”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flexography”
- Misspelling as 'flexography' (with an 'e') or 'flexography'.
- Using it as a general term for any printing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, flexography is an analogue, plate-based rotary printing process, while digital printing (like inkjet or toner-based) does not use permanent physical plates.
Its main advantages are the ability to print on a wide variety of materials (especially non-porous ones), use of fast-drying inks for high-speed production, and cost-effectiveness for very long print runs.
Historically, it was poor for fine detail, but modern advances in plates and inks have greatly improved its resolution, though it may still lag behind offset for the very finest detail.
The packaging industry is the primary user, including producers of food packaging, labels, corrugated cardboard, disposable cups, and plastic bags.
A rotary printing process using flexible rubber plates and fast-drying inks, primarily used for packaging.
Flexography is usually technical / industrial in register.
Flexography: in British English it is pronounced /flɛkˈsɒɡrəfi/, and in American English it is pronounced /flɛkˈsɑːɡrəfi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of FLEXible rubber plates used for printing graphY (as in 'graphics').
Conceptual Metaphor
PRINTING IS A STAMPING PROCESS (though it's a rolling, not stamping, action).
Practice
Quiz
Flexography is primarily used for printing on which type of materials?