movable type

American  

noun

Printing.

1. type from which text is printed directly in which each character is on a separate piece of metal.

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Etymology

Origin of movable type

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

And a form of movable type appeared in China as early as the 11th century, though it’s unclear whether Gutenberg would have known of it, Fletcher said.

From New York Times • Jan. 17, 2024

The printing press with movable type, developed in Europe during the Renaissance, aided Martin Luther in his efforts to spread his message, and thousands of copies of Luther’s writings circulated throughout Europe.

From Textbooks • Dec. 14, 2022

The same could all be said of Gutenberg’s movable type.

From Washington Post • Nov. 9, 2021

He regards Mr. Berners-Lee’s 1989 invention as an innovation as significant as Johannes Gutenberg’s development of movable type in the 15th century.

From New York Times • Jun. 30, 2021

In 1623, when the First Folio was printed, every page had to be set up for the press by hand, using tiny metal letters called movable type.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield