hard copy

noun

1. copy, as computer output printed on paper, that can be read without using a special device (soft copy ).

2. copy that is finished and ready for the printer.

hard copy

noun

1. computer output printed on paper, as contrasted with machine-readable output such as magnetic tape

Other Word Forms

• hard-copy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hard copy¹

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Related Words

• printout