stop-press

The editor added a stop-press item to the front page.

Definition

1. Noun (chiefly British, journalism):
   • Late-breaking news: "stop-press" refers to news or information that is added to a newspaper after the main edition has already been printed, typically at the last possible moment before distribution. It can also denote the section or space in a newspaper reserved for such late news.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The editor inserted a stop-press item about the election results just before the paper went to press. (A piece of late-breaking news added at the final moment.)
  • The stop-press column on page three contained updates on the local sports match. (The reserved section for last-minute news.)

Advanced Usage

• "stop-press news": a phrase used to emphasise that information is extremely recent and urgent.

  • This is stop-press news: the prime minister has resigned unexpectedly. (News that is so late it interrupts the printing process.)

• "stop-press edition": a special edition of a newspaper that includes late-breaking material.

  • The stop-press edition of the evening paper carried the story of the earthquake. (A version published after the regular edition with added updates.)

Variants and Related Words

• Stop-press (adj): relating to or characteristic of last-minute news.

  • The stop-press bulletin caused a flurry of activity in the newsroom. (The urgent, last-minute announcement.)

• Press stop (n): a mechanical or digital control used to halt a printing press (not a direct synonym, but related in the context of printing).

  • He hit the press stop to fix a paper jam. (The button to pause the printing machine.)

Synonyms

• Late-breaking: (adj) occurring or becoming known at the last moment.

  • Late-breaking updates were added to the website. (News arriving just before publication.)

• Last-minute: (adj) done or occurring at the latest possible time.

  • They made a last-minute change to the front page. (A final alteration before printing.)

Related Idioms

• Hot off the press: (idiom) newly printed or published; very fresh.

  • The newspaper is hot off the press, so the story is brand new. (Just printed and not yet circulated.)

• Stop the presses: (idiom, exclamation) used to announce that an important event has occurred that is worthy of interrupting normal printing or routine.

  • "Stop the presses!" shouted the editor when the scandal broke. (A dramatic call to halt printing for urgent news.)