paper tape
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of paper tape
1885–90, for earlier sense
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.
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
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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.