presser: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Industrial/Informal
Quick answer
What does “presser” mean?
A person or device that applies pressure, especially to smooth or shape something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or device that applies pressure, especially to smooth or shape something.
A person who works in a laundry or clothes factory ironing garments; an attachment for a sewing machine used to flatten seams; (informal) someone who pressures or urges others.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major difference in core meaning. The occupational sense ('laundry presser') is understood in both but may be slightly more common in American industrial contexts.
Connotations
Neutral/functional in technical contexts. The informal sense ('someone who pressures') can carry a slightly negative connotation of being pushy.
Frequency
Low frequency in general English. Higher frequency in specific domains like textile manufacturing, tailoring, and sewing.
Grammar
How to Use “presser” in a Sentence
[presser] of [garments/nouns][adj] presserVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “presser” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - 'presser' is not a verb.
American English
- N/A - 'presser' is not a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - 'presser' is not an adverb.
American English
- N/A - 'presser' is not an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A - 'presser' is not a standard adjective.
American English
- N/A - 'presser' is not a standard adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In textile or laundry business operations: 'We hired two new pressers for the finishing department.'
Academic
Rare. Might appear in historical or sociological studies of labour: 'The role of the presser in 19th-century garment sweatshops.'
Everyday
Very rare. Mostly used by sewing enthusiasts: 'I need to buy a new seam presser for my sewing machine.'
Technical
Common in tailoring, sewing, and laundry manuals: 'Use a tailor's ham as a presser for curved seams.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “presser”
- Using 'presser' to mean a journalist (that's 'press' or 'reporter').
- Confusing 'presser' (noun) with 'to press' (verb).
- Assuming it's a common word for any pressing device (e.g., a garlic press is not called a 'garlic presser').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word used primarily in specific technical, industrial, or hobbyist contexts (tailoring, laundry, sewing).
No. That person is a 'journalist', 'reporter', or 'member of the press'. 'Presser' does not have this meaning.
An 'iron' is the general handheld tool for smoothing clothes. A 'presser' is typically a person who uses an iron professionally OR a specialized device (like a seam presser) used in sewing.
No. The verb is 'to press'. 'Presser' is only a noun derived from that verb.
A person or device that applies pressure, especially to smooth or shape something.
Presser is usually technical/industrial/informal in register.
Presser: in British English it is pronounced /ˈprɛsə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈprɛsər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “no major idioms”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PERSON or a TOOL that PRESSES. A laundry PRESSER PRESSES shirts.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRESSURE IS CONTROL/INFLUENCE (in the informal sense: 'He's a real presser, always pushing for deadlines.')
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'presser' MOST commonly used?