line copy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Professional
Quick answer
What does “line copy” mean?
Text or content that is composed of standard, non-display typography, typically intended for typesetting or direct reading without complex layout.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Text or content that is composed of standard, non-display typography, typically intended for typesetting or direct reading without complex layout.
In advertising and journalism, copy (text) that constitutes the main body of an advertisement or article, as opposed to headlines or captions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used similarly in both varieties, but is more prevalent in American English within advertising and publishing industries.
Connotations
Neutral technical term.
Frequency
Higher frequency in US English; in the UK, terms like 'body copy' or simply 'copy' may be more common in advertising.
Grammar
How to Use “line copy” in a Sentence
The designer laid out the line copyPlease submit the line copy by FridayVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “line copy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No common verb use.
American English
- No common verb use.
adverb
British English
- No adverb use.
American English
- No adverb use.
adjective
British English
- The line-copy proofs are ready for review.
American English
- She specializes in line-copy editing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In marketing: 'The line copy for the new brochure needs to be more persuasive.'
Academic
In publishing studies: 'The journal examined typographical conventions for setting line copy.'
Everyday
Rarely used in everyday conversation.
Technical
In printing: 'Ensure the line copy is set in 10pt Serif font with 12pt leading.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “line copy”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “line copy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “line copy”
- Using 'linecopy' as one word (should be two). Confusing with 'copy line' (which is not standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is two separate words: 'line copy'.
'Line copy' is the main body text, while 'display copy' refers to prominent text like headlines, titles, or pull quotes designed to attract attention.
Typically no. It is a term from typography and print, referring to typeset or typewritten text, though the original source material could be handwritten.
No, it is a specialist term. Most everyday users would simply say 'text' or 'body text'.
Text or content that is composed of standard, non-display typography, typically intended for typesetting or direct reading without complex layout.
Line copy is usually technical/professional in register.
Line copy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪn ˌkɒpi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪn ˌkɑːpi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No idioms specific to this term”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LINE of text that you COPY and paste – it's the standard text content.
Conceptual Metaphor
TEXT IS A LINE (a linear sequence of elements).
Practice
Quiz
In which professional field is the term 'line copy' MOST commonly used?