ribbon copy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Historical
Quick answer
What does “ribbon copy” mean?
The original copy produced by a typewriter using an inked ribbon.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The original copy produced by a typewriter using an inked ribbon.
Historically, the first copy in a carbon copy set, often serving as the primary document in pre-digital office work.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between British and American English.
Connotations
Neutral, with a historical or outdated tone in both variants.
Frequency
Equally rare in modern usage, occasionally found in historical texts or discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “ribbon copy” in a Sentence
make/produce a ribbon copyrefer to the ribbon copykeep the ribbon copy as recordVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in archival business records to denote the original typewritten document.
Academic
Mentioned in historical studies of office technology and document reproduction.
Everyday
Rarely used; may appear in nostalgic conversations or vintage contexts.
Technical
Specific to typewriter mechanics and historical document processing.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ribbon copy”
- Confusing 'ribbon copy' with 'carbon copy', or using it to refer to any printed copy rather than specifically typewriter-produced.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is largely obsolete due to the decline of typewriters and rise of digital technology.
'Ribbon copy' refers to the original made by the typewriter ribbon, while 'carbon copy' is a duplicate created using carbon paper.
Yes, it can metaphorically refer to the original version or source of any document or idea.
A common error is using it interchangeably with 'carbon copy' or applying it to non-typewriter copies.
The original copy produced by a typewriter using an inked ribbon.
Ribbon copy is usually technical/historical in register.
Ribbon copy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɪbən ˈkɒpi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɪbən ˈkɑːpi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a typewriter ribbon wrapping around the first copy, like a ribbon on a gift—it's the original.
Conceptual Metaphor
Ribbon copy as a symbol of authenticity or the initial source in a process.
Practice
Quiz
What is the specific meaning of 'ribbon copy'?