Definition

1. Noun:

   • A mark or indentation left on a surface: A visible impression, often made by pressure.
   • Text or pictures produced by a printing process: The letters, words, or images on a page of a book, newspaper, etc.
   • A printed photograph or artistic copy: A picture produced from a photographic negative or an engraved plate.
   • A fabric with a colored pattern applied: Cloth that has had a design pressed or transferred onto it.
   • Availability in published form: The state of a book or other work being available from a publisher.

2. Verb:

   • To produce text or pictures on a surface using a machine: To use a printer, press, or similar device to transfer ink onto paper or another material.
   • To publish something in a book, newspaper, etc.: To make a written work available to the public in printed form.
   • To write in separate block letters: To write by hand in characters that are not joined together, resembling type.
   • To make a mark or impression on a surface: To leave a visible trace or indentation.
   • To produce a photographic print: To make a positive picture from a photographic negative.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The detective found a muddy print outside the window. (A mark/impression)
  • The print in this dictionary is very clear and easy to read. (The text)
  • She framed the print of her favorite painting. (A printed artistic copy)
  • She bought a dress made of floral print. (Fabric with a pattern)
  • His first novel is still in print after twenty years. (Available from the publisher)

• Verb:

  • Please print your name clearly at the top of the form. (Write in block letters)
  • The newspaper will print the full story tomorrow. (Publish)
  • This machine can print fifty pages per minute. (Produce copies using a printer)
  • The child's feet printed marks in the wet sand. (Made impressions)
  • I need to print these photos from my digital camera. (Produce photographic prints)

Advanced Usage

• "Out of print": No longer available from the publisher.
  • That classic book has been out of print for decades.
• "The fine print" / "small print": The detailed terms and conditions, often in small text.
  • Always read the fine print before signing a contract.
• "Print media": A collective term for newspapers and magazines.
  • The influence of print media has declined with the rise of the internet.

Variants and Related Words

• Printer (n): A machine or person that prints.
• Printing (n): The process, business, or art of producing printed material.
• Printable (adj): Suitable or fit to be printed.
• Reprint (n/v): A new printing of a book; to print again.

Synonyms

• Noun: Impression, mark, footprint, fingerprint, text, publication, photograph, copy.
• Verb: Imprint, stamp, publish, issue, produce, write in block letters.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Print out: To produce a paper copy from a computer.
  • Could you print out that report for me?
• Print off: Similar to "print out," to produce one or more copies.
  • I'll print off a few copies of the agenda.

Related Idioms

• In black and white: In print or writing, often implying something is official or undeniable.
  • I have his promise in black and white.
• The printed word: Written or published language, as opposed to spoken word or digital text.
  • He has great respect for the power of the printed word.

Noun

1. a printed picture produced from a photographic negative
2. a fabric with a dyed pattern pressed onto it (usually by engraved rollers)
3. a copy of a movie on film (especially a particular version of it)
4. availability in printed form
   • we've got to get that story into print
   • his book is no longer in print
5. a visible indication made on a surface
   • some previous reader had covered the pages with dozens of marks
   • paw prints were everywhere
6. a picture or design printed from an engraving
7. the text appearing in a book, newspaper, or other printed publication
   • I want to see it in print

Verb

1. reproduce by printing
2. make into a print
   • print the negative
3. write as if with print; not cursive
4. put into print
   • The newspaper published the news of the royal couple's divorce
   • These news should not be printed