misprint: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, technical (publishing), sometimes informal.
Quick answer
What does “misprint” mean?
A mistake in printed material where a wrong letter, word, or figure appears.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mistake in printed material where a wrong letter, word, or figure appears.
Any typographical error, often unintentional, appearing in published or printed text; can also refer to digital text rendered in a fixed/printed-like format. By extension, can be used as a verb meaning 'to print incorrectly'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. 'Typo' is more common in casual speech in both varieties, while 'misprint' retains a slightly more technical/publishing feel.
Connotations
In both varieties, it can imply a publisher's/producer's fault rather than the author's. Slightly more formal than 'typo'.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both; 'typo' is significantly more frequent in everyday digital contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “misprint” in a Sentence
There is a misprint in [Noun Phrase].The [Noun Phrase] contains a misprint.They misprinted [Noun Phrase] as [Incorrect Form].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “misprint” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The publisher misprinted the price as £15.00 instead of £150.00.
- Several lines were misprinted in the first edition.
American English
- The manual misprinted the safety warning, causing confusion.
- They misprinted the date on all the tickets.
adverb
British English
- (Rare/Non-standard usage; typically not used.)
American English
- (Rare/Non-standard usage; typically not used.)
adjective
British English
- We received a misprint copy of the novel.
- A misprint page was inserted in the report.
American English
- They issued a correction for the misprint document.
- The misprint label had to be replaced.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in reports, contracts, and official documents to note production errors that could affect meaning or compliance.
Academic
Used in journals and books to refer to errors in published scholarly work; often listed in an 'errata' section.
Everyday
Used when pointing out a wrong price in a leaflet, a wrong date in a newsletter, or an error in a book.
Technical
Core term in publishing, printing, and proofreading industries.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “misprint”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “misprint”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “misprint”
- Using 'misprint' for a handwritten error.
- Confusing 'misprint' (noun) with 'misprinted' (adj/verb). Example: 'The book has a misprint' (correct) vs. 'The book is misprint' (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are very similar, but 'misprint' often specifically implies an error introduced during the physical/digital printing or typesetting process, while 'typo' is a broader, more informal term for any typographical error, including those made while typing.
Yes, though less common than the noun form. It means 'to print incorrectly' (e.g., 'The company misprinted the expiry date').
A 'misprint' is the error itself. An 'erratum' (plural: errata) is a formal notice published to correct a misprint or error in a previously published work.
No, it can refer to any printing error, from a minor wrong letter to a major factual error. The seriousness is determined by context, not the word itself.
A mistake in printed material where a wrong letter, word, or figure appears.
Misprint is usually formal, technical (publishing), sometimes informal. in register.
Misprint: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɪsprɪnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪsˌprɪnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A misprint in the fine print.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MIS-take in PRINT-ing' = MISPRINT.
Conceptual Metaphor
TEXT IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT (a misprint is a 'blemish' or 'flaw' on that object).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'misprint' LEAST appropriate?