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type

[ tahyp ]
/ taɪp /
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See synonyms for: type / typed / types / typing on Thesaurus.com

noun
verb (used with object), typed, typ·ing.
verb (used without object), typed, typ·ing.
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Origin of type

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English: “symbol, figure” (from Middle French ), from Latin typus “bas-relief, ground plan,” from Greek týpos “blow, impression”

usage note for type

2. When preceded by a modifier, type meaning “kind, sort” is sometimes used without a following of: This type furnace uses very little current. In writing, a hyphen is often placed between type and the preceding word or words: a magnetic-type holder; a New England-type corn pudding. This construction is frequently criticized by usage guides; it is most typical of journalistic writing and advertising and occurs rarely in formal speech or writing. In almost all cases the construction can be rendered fully standard either by restoring of after type, with no hyphen ( this type of furnace; a New England type of corn pudding ) or by omitting type altogether ( a magnetic holder).

OTHER WORDS FROM type

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH type

kind, sort, type (see usage note at the current entry)

Other definitions for type (2 of 2)

-type

a suffix representing type (prototype), especially in names of photographic processes: ferrotype.
Compare typo-.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

MORE ABOUT TYPE

What is a basic definition of type?

Type is used as a noun to mean a member of a category. As a verb type means to write using a typewriter or keyboard. The word type has many other senses as a noun and a verb.

Type refers to something or someone that is a member of a category or class. Type is often followed with the word of and the category being referred to. For example, a German shepherd is a type of dog. The German shepherd is a member of the large group of animals known as dogs.

  • Real-life examples: Robins, pigeons, and eagles are types of birds. Hats, pants, and shirts are types of clothing. Vegetables, fruits, and meats are types of foods.
  • Used in a sentence: Martina likes only certain types of movies, such as comedies.

Informally, type is used in a similar sense to mean a person who has characteristics of a certain job, personality, or other quality.

  • Used in a sentence: We don’t want any government types sniffing around our business.

As a verb, type means to write on a typewriter or keyboard. Now that typewriters are much less commonly used, type nearly always refers specifically to computer or cellphone keyboards.

  • Used in a sentence: I told him not to type a long, angry rant on his social media profile but he didn’t listen.

Where does type come from?

The first records of type come from around 1425. It ultimately comes from Greek word týpos, meaning “a blow or an impression.”

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What are some other forms related to type?

  • mistype (verb)
  • mistyped (adjective)
  • pretype (verb)
  • retype (verb)
  • untyped (adjective)

What are some synonyms for type?

What are some words that share a root or word element with type

What are some words that often get used in discussing type?

How is type used in real life?

Type is a very common word that most often means to write on a keyboard or refers to something that is a member of a certain category.

Try using type!

Is type used correctly in the following sentence?

Wood, stone, and steel are common types of building materials.

How to use type in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for type (1 of 2)

type
/ (taɪp) /

noun
verb

Word Origin for type

C15: from Latin typus figure, from Greek tupos image, from tuptein to strike

British Dictionary definitions for type (2 of 2)

-type

noun, combining form
type or formarchetype
printing type or photographic processcollotype

Word Origin for -type

from Latin -typus, from Greek -typos, from tupos type
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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