parallel port: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical (computing/historical)
Quick answer
What does “parallel port” mean?
A type of physical computer interface primarily used for connecting printers and other peripherals in the 20th century, transmitting multiple bits of data simultaneously over parallel wires.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of physical computer interface primarily used for connecting printers and other peripherals in the 20th century, transmitting multiple bits of data simultaneously over parallel wires.
A historical term for a 25-pin D-sub (DB-25) port on a computer, now largely obsolete, which allowed for bidirectional parallel communication with devices, most famously printers. The term can also refer conceptually to any interface or method of parallel data transfer.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling follows standard national conventions for the word 'parallel'.
Connotations
Equally obsolete and technical in both dialects.
Frequency
Extremely low and declining in both dialects, used only in historical/technical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “parallel port” in a Sentence
The [device] connects to the [parallel port].The [computer] has a [parallel port].To use a [legacy printer], you need a [parallel port].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “parallel port” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The technician will parallel-port the old plotter to the new adapter.
American English
- They needed to parallel-port the legacy scanner.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial use]
American English
- [No standard adverbial use]
adjective
British English
- We found a parallel-port cable in the storage cupboard.
American English
- The system requires a parallel-port adapter.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in procurement discussions for legacy system compatibility.
Academic
Used in historical studies of computing or computer engineering courses.
Everyday
Virtually unused in modern general conversation.
Technical
Primary context; used by IT professionals dealing with old hardware, retro computing enthusiasts, and in technical documentation for legacy systems.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “parallel port”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “parallel port”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “parallel port”
- Using 'parallel port' to refer to any port on a computer (e.g., USB or HDMI).
- Misspelling 'parallel' (e.g., 'parralel', 'paralel').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A parallel port is an older, larger interface that sends multiple bits of data at once. USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a modern serial standard that is faster, smaller, and supports many more functions like charging and data transfer.
It is extremely rare on new consumer computers. They are found mainly on specialized industrial or point-of-sale systems, or you can add one via an expansion card or a USB-to-parallel adapter.
LPT stands for 'Line Print Terminal'. It was the traditional designation for parallel printer ports in DOS and Windows (e.g., LPT1, LPT2).
USB offered significant advantages: higher speeds, hot-swapping (connecting/disconnecting without rebooting), a smaller connector, and the ability to daisy-chain many devices from a single port, simplifying computer design and user experience.
A type of physical computer interface primarily used for connecting printers and other peripherals in the 20th century, transmitting multiple bits of data simultaneously over parallel wires.
Parallel port is usually technical (computing/historical) in register.
Parallel port: in British English it is pronounced /ˌparəlɛl ˈpɔːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpɛrəˌlɛl ˈpɔrt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[no idioms specific to this term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine two parallel train tracks (wires) carrying many carriages (bits of data) side-by-side into an old computer station (the port).
Conceptual Metaphor
A WIDE HIGHWAY vs. a SINGLE LANE ROAD (parallel port transmits many bits at once like a wide highway, vs. a serial port's single lane).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary modern replacement for a parallel port?