printing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral (Used in formal, technical, and everyday contexts)
Quick answer
What does “printing” mean?
The process, business, or act of producing books, newspapers, or other material by pressing inked type or plates onto paper or another surface.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process, business, or act of producing books, newspapers, or other material by pressing inked type or plates onto paper or another surface.
1. The result of the printing process; the text or images produced. 2. The act of writing in unjoined block letters. 3. The process of producing a copy of something (e.g., a photograph or computer file) on paper or other material. 4. In textiles, the process of applying a design or pattern to fabric.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Minor spelling preferences in compounds (e.g., 'printing press' is universal). The verb sense 'to write in block letters' is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in both. Associated with technology, publishing, education, and manufacturing.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects due to its technical and general utility.
Grammar
How to Use “printing” in a Sentence
[Noun] + of + printing (the art of printing)[Adjective] + printing (digital printing)printing + [Noun] (printing paper)do/some/the printing (We'll do the printing tomorrow.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “printing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She is printing the wedding invitations on her home printer.
- Children are taught to print their letters before learning cursive.
American English
- He's printing out the contracts for everyone to sign.
- Please print your name clearly on the application form.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as a standalone adverb. Forms like 'printing-wise' are non-standard and rare.
American English
- Not commonly used as a standalone adverb. Forms like 'printing-wise' are non-standard and rare.
adjective
British English
- The printing industry has evolved dramatically.
- We need more printing ink for the project.
American English
- We ran into a printing error on page 23.
- The museum has a rare printing press from the 1800s.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the industry, costs, and services (e.g., 'We outsourced the printing of the annual report.').
Academic
Discussed in history (invention of printing), media studies, and computer science (e.g., 'The impact of the printing press on literacy.').
Everyday
Commonly refers to home/office tasks (e.g., 'The printing of my boarding pass failed.') or a child's writing style (e.g., 'She writes in neat printing.').
Technical
Specific processes in manufacturing and IT (e.g., 'Offset printing', 'Additive manufacturing via 3D printing').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “printing”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “printing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “printing”
- Using 'printing' as a verb for sending a document to a printer ('I am printing' is correct). 'Printing' is the gerund/noun. Mistake: *'I did a print of the document.' Correct: 'I did the printing of the document' or 'I printed the document.'
- Confusing 'printing' with 'publishing'. Publishing includes editing, marketing, and distribution; printing is only the mechanical production.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While traditionally associated with paper media, it now includes 3D printing (objects), textile printing (on fabric), and digital printing (from computers).
'Printing' refers to producing physical copies from a machine or writing in block letters. 'Typing' refers specifically to entering text using a keyboard.
It's a publishing term meaning a book is no longer being produced by the publisher and is not available from them, though copies may still be found in shops or second-hand.
Yes, when referring to a specific batch or edition. E.g., 'The first printing sold out in a week.'
The process, business, or act of producing books, newspapers, or other material by pressing inked type or plates onto paper or another surface.
Printing is usually neutral (used in formal, technical, and everyday contexts) in register.
Printing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈprɪntɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈprɪntɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The printing is on the wall (variant of 'writing is on the wall')”
- “Out of print”
- “In print”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PRINT being made ING (ongoing) – it's the ongoing process of making prints.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRINTING IS REPRODUCTION (cloning ideas onto physical form).
Practice
Quiz
In an educational context, what does 'printing' most specifically refer to?