movable type

noun

, Printing.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of movable type¹

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

One was the invention of movable type, and the other that of pointing the wood screw.

From Project Gutenberg

Objection may be made to this statement, and the declaration urged that movable type were used in China before the Christian era.

From Project Gutenberg

Almost coeval with the advent of these intellects was the invention of printing with movable type.

From Project Gutenberg

Movable type was invented, and "civilization was thrust into the brain of Europe on the point of a Moorish lance."

From Project Gutenberg

It is printed with a sort of movable type, and each character is a pictograph or hieroglyph.

From Project Gutenberg