proofread

American  

[proof-reed] / ˈprufˌrid /

verb (used with object)

proofread, proofreading

1. to read (printers' proofs, copy, etc.) in order to detect and mark errors to be corrected.

---

verb (used without object)

proofread, proofreading

1. to read printers' proofs, copy, etc., to detect and mark errors, especially as an employee of a typesetting firm, newspaper office, or publishing house.

proofread British  

/ ˈpruːfˌriːd /

verb

1. to read (copy or printer's proofs) to detect and mark errors to be corrected

---

Other Word Forms

• proofreader noun
• unproofread adjective

Etymology

Origin of proofread

1930–35; back formation from proofreader ( see proof, read ¹)

Explanation

To proofread is to look over a piece of writing for errors, watching out for spelling mistakes and grammar problems. If you don’t proofread your work, you might write “ham” instead of “harm” and confuse the heck out of your reader. By the time you proofread a piece of writing, it should be almost done. It’s the very last step of the writing process after drafting, editing, and revising. To proofread is to look at the little details of a piece of writing, such as spelling, word choice, formatting, and sentence structure. When you proofread, you look for errors and fix them. You can proofread your own work, but sometimes it’s good to get someone else to proofread what you've written.

Example Sentences

It’s a clear no, with the only exceptions being when editors use A.I. to proofread their writing or translate foreign-language entries.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

Apple said that workers at the new factory in Texas will produce servers for Apple Intelligence, an AI system that can help people write, proofread text and complete other tasks.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2025

Kaspar did a Q&A for the Sophia’s Cure YouTube channel from the Gaynors’ dining room and proofread posts Vincent wrote for the charity’s website.

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2025

“I appreciate your note and only wish someone had proofread it first,” he added.

From Washington Times • Nov. 4, 2023

She asked me to proofread her introduction; it was fine, really tap-quality work.

From "Liar, Liar" by Gary Paulsen