printing-press

Definition

Noun:
A printing-press is a machine used for printing text or images onto paper or other materials. It typically uses a process of applying pressure to an inked surface (such as type or plates) to transfer the image onto the substrate. The term specifically refers to the mechanical device itself, not the act of printing or the output.

Usage Examples

• (The machine enabled mass production of books.)
• (The physical machine is shown in operation.)
• (The device requires maintenance to function.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be on the printing-press": currently being printed using the machine.

  • The newspaper is on the printing-press right now. (The newspaper is being printed at this moment.)

• "to operate a printing-press": to run or manage the machine.

  • She learned to operate a printing-press at a vocational school. (She acquired the skill to use the device.)

Variants and Related Words

• Printing-press is often written as printing press (two words) in modern usage; both forms are correct.
• Press (n): a shortened form referring to the machine, as in .
• Hand-press (n): a type of printing-press operated manually, common before industrialization.
• Rotary press (n): a high-speed printing-press that uses a rotating cylinder.

Synonyms

• Printing machine: a general term for any device used for printing.
• Press: the same meaning, often used informally.

Related Idioms

• "Freedom of the press": the right to publish without government censorship (uses "press" in a broader sense, not the machine).
• "Go to press": to begin the printing process for a publication.
  • The magazine went to press at midnight. (Printing started at that time.)

Notes

• The hyphen in "printing-press" is optional but common in older or technical texts. The unhyphenated "printing press" is more frequent in contemporary English.
• The word refers exclusively to the machine, not to the press as an industry (e.g., "the press" meaning journalists or news organizations).