printed matter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Technical, Administrative
Quick answer
What does “printed matter” mean?
Publications and documents, such as books, magazines, newspapers, and leaflets, that have been produced using printing processes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Publications and documents, such as books, magazines, newspapers, and leaflets, that have been produced using printing processes.
Any material that carries printed words or images, regardless of its informational or commercial purpose. In postal and legal contexts, it often refers to a specific category of mail eligible for lower postage rates, provided it contains no personal manuscript additions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in American English, particularly in postal/administrative contexts (e.g., 'Standard Mail' or 'Marketing Mail' for printed matter). In UK English, 'printed papers' is a common alternative in postal contexts.
Connotations
Neutral in both. Slightly more bureaucratic in British English.
Frequency
Higher frequency in US English.
Grammar
How to Use “printed matter” in a Sentence
The shipment contains [printed matter].[Printed matter] is subject to specific postal regulations.We specialise in the distribution of [printed matter].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “printed matter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The leaflets were printed matter-of-factly.
- They print matter for several charities.
American English
- The company prints matter for bulk mail campaigns.
- We need to print matter with a faster turnaround.
adverb
British English
- [Not standard for this word]
American English
- [Not standard for this word]
adjective
British English
- The printed-matter regulations are quite complex.
- They offer a printed-matter discount.
American English
- We have a printed-matter mailing permit.
- Check the printed-matter guidelines before shipping.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The marketing budget includes costs for producing and mailing promotional printed matter."
Academic
"The library's special collection focuses on 19th-century political printed matter."
Everyday
"Please recycle any unwanted printed matter like catalogues and flyers."
Technical
"The postal service defines printed matter as items reproduced in multiple identical copies, with no personal annotations."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “printed matter”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “printed matter”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “printed matter”
- Using 'printed matters' as a countable plural (prefer 'pieces of printed matter').
- Confusing it with 'stationery' or 'office supplies'.
- Using in contexts better suited for 'books' or 'magazines' specifically.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally treated as a mass (uncountable) noun. You refer to 'some printed matter' or 'pieces of printed matter'.
No, by definition it refers to mechanically or digitally reproduced material. Items with personal handwritten additions usually do not qualify as 'printed matter' for postal purposes.
No, the term is specific to physical, tangible items produced by printing. Digital content falls under 'electronic media' or 'digital content'.
'Literature' can imply a higher quality or artistic/educational value (e.g., 'scientific literature'). 'Printed matter' is a broader, more neutral, and functional term encompassing everything from junk mail to fine books.
Publications and documents, such as books, magazines, newspapers, and leaflets, that have been produced using printing processes.
Printed matter is usually formal, technical, administrative in register.
Printed matter: in British English it is pronounced /ˌprɪntɪd ˈmætə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌprɪntɪd ˈmætər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not commonly used in idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the MATTER as physical STUFF (paper) that has been PRINTED on.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFORMATION IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT (that can be printed, mailed, and weighed).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'printed matter' MOST specifically defined?