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Synonyms

hard copy

American  

noun

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

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

hard copy British  

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of hard copy

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

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.

A hard copy is available for $50, but don’t bother—its “reference scenario” is already stale.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

Meanwhile, the participants who held on to a hard copy of the insult experienced only a small decrease in their overall anger.

From Science Daily • Apr. 9, 2024

The bag, the instructions advise, also should contain a hard copy of maps and a compass — “goin’ old school!”

From Seattle Times • Mar. 22, 2024

Pastor and podcaster, Chuck Tate, told Higher Ground via email that he finds immense value in utilizing TikTok for evangelism, but is reluctant to green-light a Gen Z slang translation hard copy of the Bible.

From Washington Times • Oct. 16, 2023

E-mail was received in Kathmandu, printed out, and the hard copy was transported by yak to Base Camp.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer

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.