Definition

Noun A category of typeface or font where the characters lack serifs—the small projecting features or decorative strokes at the end of a letter's main strokes. Sans serif typefaces are characterized by their clean, modern, and minimalist appearance.

Usage

The term "sans serif" is used to classify and describe typography. It functions as a countable noun (e.g., a popular sans serif) and, more commonly, as an attributive noun modifying other nouns (e.g., sans serif font, sans serif typeface).

Examples

• For on-screen text, a sans serif like Arial or Helvetica is often recommended for better readability.
• The designer chose a clean sans serif for the company's new logo to convey a sense of modernity.
• This document uses a sans serif typeface for the body text.
• The headline is set in a bold sans serif font.

Advanced Usage

• "Grotesque" or "Grotesk": A traditional term, especially in European typography, for early sans serif typefaces (e.g., ).
• "Geometric" Sans Serif: A sub-classification for sans serif typefaces based on geometric shapes, like circles and squares (e.g., , ).
• "Humanist" Sans Serif: A sub-classification for sans serif typefaces that incorporate some calligraphic or old-style serif characteristics, often considered more readable (e.g., , ).

Variants and Related Words

• Sans (adj): Informally used as a shortening of "sans serif" in design contexts (e.g., ).
• Serif (n): The direct antonym; a typeface that serifs (e.g., ).
• Typeface (n): A set of characters that share a common design (e.g., ).
• Font (n): A specific instance of a typeface, including its style, weight, and size (e.g., ).

Synonyms

• Grotesque (n, in typography)
• Gothic (n, in American typography)

Antonyms

• Serif (n)
• Roman (adj, in typography context)

Noun

1. a typeface in which characters have no serifs