paper tape

American  

noun

Computers.

1. a narrow strip of paper in which holes are punched in designated patterns to represent characters: formerly in common use as an input/output medium.

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paper tape British  

noun

1. a former name for punched tape

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Etymology

Origin of paper tape

1885–90, for earlier sense

Example Sentences

Cash registers punched holes into paper tape to record sales; the tape would then be sent to headquarters each day and fed into a computer to analyze sales.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 9, 2025

Only another briefcase with the same key on its paper tape could unscramble the message and convert the digits into a machine-like voice at the other end.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2022

A system like The Container Store’s Elfa Over the Door Rack can also serve as a crafting station, containing rolls of paper, tape, scissors and markers in its many baskets.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 6, 2022

Using a sheet of wrapping paper, tape and a stick-on bow, Hubbard carefully wraps Gracie up in the Santa-patterned paper while she patiently waits.

From Fox News • Dec. 16, 2021

Operators type in an enciphered message, and—if we’ve got the settings right—the original German is printed on paper tape.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin