line printer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Historical
Quick answer
What does “line printer” mean?
A high-speed impact printer, largely historical, that prints an entire line of characters at once onto continuous paper.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A high-speed impact printer, largely historical, that prints an entire line of characters at once onto continuous paper.
Refers to a type of computer printer, common from the 1960s to the 1980s, known for its speed, loud operation, and use of sprocket-fed paper. It is now primarily discussed in historical or technical contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The technology and its name are identical.
Connotations
Connotes old-fashioned, large-scale, institutional computing environments in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare in modern use in both regions, appearing mainly in technical documentation, historical accounts, or discussions of legacy systems.
Grammar
How to Use “line printer” in a Sentence
The [line printer] printed [output].They replaced the [line printer] with a laser printer.Data was sent to the [line printer].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “line printer” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The line printer output was on continuous stationery.
- We reviewed the line printer specifications.
American English
- The line printer output was on fanfold paper.
- We examined the line printer specs.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In historical context, refers to a key piece of equipment for bulk report generation in large companies.
Academic
Appears in texts on the history of computing, information technology, or data processing.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation unless discussing very old technology.
Technical
Used precisely to denote a specific class of printers in engineering, IT history, and legacy system maintenance.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “line printer”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “line printer”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “line printer”
- Using 'line printer' to refer to any printer connected 'online' or via a 'line'.
- Confusing it with a modern inkjet or laser printer that prints text line-by-line as part of its process.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both are impact printers, a dot matrix printer typically forms characters from dots, one character at a time (or in small groups). A line printer prints a pre-formed entire line of characters simultaneously.
They used a high-speed impact mechanism, such as a spinning chain or drum with raised characters, striking the paper through an ink ribbon to create an entire line of text at once, producing a characteristic loud noise.
Very rarely. They are obsolete for general use, having been replaced by faster, quieter page printers (laser) and inkjets. They might be found in niche legacy systems where compatibility with very old sprocket-fed forms is required.
It refers to paper that comes in a long, continuous fanfold strip with holes on the edges that engage with sprockets (metal pins) on the printer to feed it through accurately and without pause, allowing for uninterrupted high-volume printing.
A high-speed impact printer, largely historical, that prints an entire line of characters at once onto continuous paper.
Line printer is usually technical / historical in register.
Line printer: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪn ˌprɪntə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪn ˌprɪn(t)ər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a printer that doesn't print letter by letter, but draws one whole LINE at a time, like a stamp.
Conceptual Metaphor
MACHINE AS A PRODUCTION LINE (it produces a complete 'line' of output in one cycle).
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of a line printer?