Xerox

American  

[zeer-oks] / ˈzɪər ɒks /

Trademark.

1. a brand name for a copying machine for reproducing printed, written, or pictorial matter by xerography.

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noun

1. (sometimes lowercase) a copy made on a xerographic copying machine.

verb (used with or without object)

1. (sometimes lowercase) to print or reproduce by xerography.

Xerox British  

/ ˈzɪərɒks /

noun

1. 1. a xerographic copying process

   2. a machine employing this process

   3. a copy produced by this process

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verb

1. to produce a copy of (a document, illustration, etc) by this process

Explanation

When you use a copy machine, you make a xerox. Some college classes require you to buy expensive textbooks, while others provide you with binders full of xeroxes. The word xerox is trademarked, kind of like Frisbee or Kleenex. The word was coined in the 1950s, from xerography, "printing without the use of liquid chemicals," which has a Greek root, xeros, "dry," and an ending borrowed from photography. You can use xerox as a noun or a verb: "You should xerox your ID and keep a copy of it on file in case you lose your wallet."

Example Sentences

Goldberg, like others at PARC, was frustrated at the lack of understanding by Xerox brass how to exploit PARC’s innovations for corporate customers.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

He would later leave Xerox to join Apple.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

McDermott applied that philosophy while serving in a sales role at Xerox, where he brought in more business than many of his peers.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 18, 2026

Mr. Dorsey captures the moment when businesses began relying heavily on data to become more efficient: The future of work is hiding in plain sight in those Xerox cubicles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 28, 2025

“Can you get ahold of a Xerox machine?” he asked.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin