photocopier: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to Formal
Quick answer
What does “photocopier” mean?
A machine that makes copies of documents by photographing them.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A machine that makes copies of documents by photographing them.
A device that creates paper duplicates of printed or handwritten material using light-sensitive methods; sometimes refers to multifunction devices that also scan or print.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. Both use 'photocopier'. In US informal contexts, 'copier' is more common.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word carries neutral office/administrative connotations. No significant difference.
Frequency
More frequent in British English as a full form; American English shows higher frequency of the clipped 'copier' in casual speech.
Grammar
How to Use “photocopier” in a Sentence
[subject] uses the photocopier[subject] is at/near the photocopierThere is a photocopier in [location]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Essential office equipment. 'Can you make 20 copies of this report on the photocopier?'
Academic
Common in libraries and administrative offices. 'The thesis must be submitted, and a photocopier is available in the graduate office.'
Everyday
Understood but less frequently used in home contexts. 'I need to pop to the shop to use their photocopier.'
Technical
Specific to reprographics. 'The new photocopier uses LED array technology instead of a traditional lamp.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “photocopier”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “photocopier”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “photocopier”
- Misspelling as 'photocopyer' or 'photocopiour'.
- Using 'photocopier' as a verb (the verb is 'to photocopy').
- Confusing with 'scanner' or 'printer'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Photocopier' is exclusively a noun. The related verb is 'to photocopy' (e.g., 'I need to photocopy this document').
A photocopier creates copies directly from an existing physical document. A printer typically produces output from a digital file sent from a computer. Many modern devices are combined 'multifunction printers' that can do both.
'Xerox' is a famous brand name that became a genericised trademark in some regions (like 'Kleenex' for tissues). It's more common in certain countries like India and Russia, but 'photocopier' or 'copier' is the standard generic term.
No, it only refers to the machine. A person who operates it might be called a 'reprographics assistant' or simply 'someone making copies'.
A machine that makes copies of documents by photographing them.
Photocopier is usually neutral to formal in register.
Photocopier: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfəʊtəʊkɒpɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfoʊtəˌkɑːpiɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PHOTO (light) + COPY (duplicate) + ER (machine that does something) = a machine that uses light to make copies.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CLONING DEVICE (for documents)
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a common informal synonym for 'photocopier', especially in American English?