printer
Americannoun
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printers
plural
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a person or thing that prints, especially a person whose occupation is printing.
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Computers. an output device that produces a paper copy of alphanumeric or graphic data.
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an instrument that automatically records telegraphic messages by means of a printing mechanism activated by incoming signals.
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Movies. a photographic machine through which either the negative or positive of a master print can be run, together with unexposed film, to make a duplicate.
noun
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a person or business engaged in printing
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a machine or device that prints
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computing an output device for printing results on paper
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of printer
Explanation
A printer might be a person whose job is to make copies of printed material, or a machine that’s hooked up to a computer and prints on paper. With a 3D printer, you can even “print” a spatula! A 3D printer creates a replica of an image sent to it from a computer, whether it’s a car part or a spatula. Most people have the regular kind of printer, though, that they use to print things like essays or articles. Or, you might hire a printer to make your wedding invitations. The original printers, circa 1500, were people who operated a moveable type printing press (invented in 1450), printing books and other texts in small quantities.
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.
See Examples For:
With the help of the University of Maine’s giant 3D printer, Navatek made a prototype and unveiled it at a press conference where a Guinness World Records representative declared it the world’s largest 3D-printed boat.
From Salon ● Sep. 23, 2026
The printer and computer maker reported higher revenue in the third quarter, but logged lower sales volumes in its personal-computers business.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026
Their method dramatically shortens the processing required after a restoration comes out of the printer.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 23, 2026
When you’re talking about this printer, there is no black and white.
From Slate ● Aug. 21, 2026
There’s a table with a computer and some kind of printer, maybe for photos.
From "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson
“Widely available consumer-grade 3D printers capable of printing firearm parts, frames, receivers, and accessories now start at about $200 and are compact enough to fit on a small table,” the complaint alleged.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 10, 2026
Everything has been designed and built in-house, using recycled materials to reduce costs and environmental impact, produced using 3D printers that thump away constantly in the background.
From Barron's ● Sep. 9, 2026
He declines to share details but the contraption will make square pan-style pies and that the machine is inspired by the way 3D printers work.
From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2026
He started with a $100 machine, making trinkets like Christmas ornaments and puzzles, but has since upgraded to more expensive printers for conquering a range of home repairs.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 15, 2026
Since he paid his bills on time, the printers loved him and took extra care with his work.
From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin
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