gravure: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical/Formal (printing/photography), Informal (Japanese pop-culture loanword)
Quick answer
What does “gravure” mean?
A type of printing process that uses an engraved or etched plate, especially a metal cylinder.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of printing process that uses an engraved or etched plate, especially a metal cylinder.
1. A printed product made using the gravure process (e.g., a magazine). 2. In photography/art, a picture produced from an engraved plate. 3. (Japanese loanword usage) Photographic print of an idol, actress, or model, often glamorous.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Both use it as a technical printing term.
Connotations
Neutral/technical in both. The Japanese pop-culture connotation is understood only in niche contexts.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general discourse. Slightly higher in printing industry jargon.
Grammar
How to Use “gravure” in a Sentence
[gravure] + [noun] (gravure printing)[adjective] + [gravure] (rotogravure)[verb] + [gravure] (use gravure, produce by gravure)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gravure” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The magazine was gravured to achieve high photographic fidelity.
- They decided to gravure the annual report.
American English
- The brochure was gravure printed for superior color.
- We gravure the packaging for premium brands.
adverb
British English
- [Rarely used as an adverb]
American English
- [Rarely used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- It's a gravure publication, known for its glossy finish.
- The gravure section of the newspaper featured society portraits.
American English
- The gravure press runs 24/7.
- She works in the gravure division of the printing plant.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in printing/publishing industry discussions (e.g., 'We switched to gravure for the catalogue.').
Academic
Found in art history, printmaking, or media studies texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core usage: describing a high-quality, high-volume printing process for magazines, packaging, stamps.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gravure”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gravure”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gravure”
- Using 'gravure' to mean any picture or photograph (incorrect).
- Pronouncing it as /ˈɡreɪvjʊr/ (incorrect stress; stress is on second syllable).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency technical term used mainly in the printing and publishing industries.
Photogravure is a specific type of gravure that uses a photographic image to create the printing plate. Gravure is the broader category of intaglio printing from a recessed surface.
This is a loanword usage from Japanese ('gurabia'), where it refers to glamour photos of idols or models, often in magazines. This sense is not standard in general English but appears in discussions of Japanese pop culture.
Yes, though rare. In the printing industry, one can say 'to gravure' something, meaning to print it using the gravure process (e.g., 'The catalog was gravured in Germany').
A type of printing process that uses an engraved or etched plate, especially a metal cylinder.
Gravure is usually technical/formal (printing/photography), informal (japanese pop-culture loanword) in register.
Gravure: in British English it is pronounced /ɡrəˈvjʊə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡrəˈvjʊr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'GRAVure' – it uses a heavy (grave/gravitational) metal plate to press ink deeply into paper.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRINTING IS ENGRAVING (a process of making deep, permanent marks).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is MOST closely associated with 'gravure' in standard English?