printer

American  

[prin-ter] / ˈprɪn tər /

noun

1. a person or thing that prints, especially a person whose occupation is printing. printing.

2. Computers. an output device that produces a paper copy of alphanumeric or graphic data.

3. an instrument that automatically records telegraphic messages by means of a printing printing mechanism activated by incoming signals.

4. 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.

---

printer British  

/ ˈprɪntə /

noun

1. a person or business engaged in printing

2. a machine or device that prints

3. computing an output device for printing results on paper

---

Other Word Forms

• printerlike adjective

Etymology

Origin of printer

First recorded in 1495–1505; print + -er ¹

Example Sentences

“Maybe we type it up and print a clean copy? My aunt has a printer. I bet we can use it.”

From Literature

They are joined by rising companies like Astranis, which builds geostationary orbit satellites, and Relativity Space, which uses 3-D printers to make commercial rockets.

From The Wall Street Journal

“I’ve used that printer. I’ve dealt with that guy in human resources who told me that I did have a job one day and I don’t have a job the other day.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Clem has been buying them in bulk on the internet, accepting donated whistles from friends, and making his with a 3D printer.

From Los Angeles Times

I am fortunate Mother comes from a family of book printers and has taught me to read and write in Hebrew and Spanish.

From Literature

Related Words

• laser printer