touch-type: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to formal; common in educational, professional, and technical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “touch-type” mean?
To type on a keyboard without looking at the keys, using muscle memory to find the correct keys.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To type on a keyboard without looking at the keys, using muscle memory to find the correct keys.
The skill or practice of typing quickly and accurately without visual reference to the keyboard, typically learned through systematic training.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The hyphenated form 'touch-type' is standard in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in both, associated with efficiency, secretarial skills, and modern office work.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English in formal training contexts, but equally understood and used in US English.
Grammar
How to Use “touch-type” in a Sentence
[Subject] touch-types[Subject] is learning to touch-typeIt is useful to touch-typeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “touch-type” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She learned to touch-type during her secretarial course.
- All our data clerks are required to touch-type.
American English
- He can touch-type over 80 words per minute.
- The job description says you must be able to touch-type.
adjective
British English
- She completed a touch-typing course online.
- Touch-typing skills are essential for the role.
American English
- He took a touch-typing class in high school.
- The position requires touch-typing proficiency.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Valued skill for administrative and data-entry roles to improve productivity.
Academic
Mentioned in studies on ergonomics, workplace efficiency, and skill acquisition.
Everyday
Discussed when talking about computer skills, job applications, or learning a new skill.
Technical
Referenced in typing tutor software, ergonomic assessments, and vocational training manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “touch-type”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “touch-type”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “touch-type”
- Writing as one word 'touchtype' or two words 'touch type' (the hyphenated form is standard).
- Using it as a noun (e.g., 'He has a good touch-type'); prefer 'He can touch-type well' or 'He has good touch-typing skills'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is standardly hyphenated: 'touch-type' (verb) and 'touch-typing' (noun/gerund).
'Typing' is the general act of using a keyboard. 'Touch-typing' specifically refers to the skilled method of typing using all fingers and muscle memory without looking at the keys.
With regular practice, basic proficiency can be achieved in a few weeks, but speed and accuracy develop over months of consistent use.
Yes, for many tasks involving precise formatting, numerical data, working in noisy environments, or maintaining privacy, touch-typing is often faster and more reliable than dictation.
To type on a keyboard without looking at the keys, using muscle memory to find the correct keys.
Touch-type is usually neutral to formal; common in educational, professional, and technical contexts. in register.
Touch-type: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʌtʃ ˌtaɪp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtətʃ ˌtaɪp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
TOUCH the keys correctly, don't have to LOOK. TOUCH-TYPE = Training Of Useful Character Habits - Typing Perfectly, Eyes-free.
Conceptual Metaphor
TYPING IS A PHYSICAL SKILL (like playing a musical instrument from memory).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of touch-typing?