font
1 Americannoun
-
a receptacle, usually of stone, as in a baptistery or church, containing the water used in baptism.
-
a receptacle for holy water; stoup.
-
a productive source.
The book is a font of useful tips for travelers.
-
the reservoir for oil in a lamp.
-
Archaic. a fountain.
noun
noun
-
-
a large bowl for baptismal water, usually mounted on a pedestal
-
a receptacle for holy water
-
-
the reservoir for oil in an oil lamp
-
archaic a fountain or well
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of font1
First recorded before 1000; Middle English; Old English font, fant, from Latin font-, stem of fōns “baptismal font, spring, fountain”
Origin of font2
First recorded in 1570–80; from Middle French fonte, from Vulgar Latin funditus (unrecorded) “a pouring, molding, casting,” verbal noun from Latin fundere “to pour”; see found 3
Explanation
A font is the specific style of text that's printed on a page or displayed on a computer screen. It's also the name for the container that holds water used in church baptisms. When designers talk about fonts, they mean the design, size, and boldness of letters and symbols. Many people use font and typeface interchangeably, but it's more accurate to distinguish the terms. Times New Roman is a typeface, but a specific version of it, like Times New Roman bold 12pt, is a font — it specifies exactly how the text will look. The religious font has a different root, which it shares with fountain.
Vocabulary lists containing font
Computer Science and Technology - Introductory
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Computer Science and Technology - Middle School
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Computer Science and Technology - High School
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
More recently, it ran afoul of Pokémon’s legions by cribbing that franchise’s signature font and imagery.
From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026
One snapped a picture of the sale sign, at which point employees pointed out the date in small font.
From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026
The latest meme appears to use an image from Pokopia, with the slogan written in a similar font to the game.
From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026
A tattoo artist designed and hand-painted the store’s logo — a crescent moon and stars hugging antique font letters.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026
Hank unfolded one, the mock-up for the front of the One Drum shirt—a simple Rolland Rocks in the same font as our award-winning Stokum Sucks design.
From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
