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
In the back of the building is a more utilitarian room with shelves of paper, tape and scissors.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 22, 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
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.
