typeset

American  

[tahyp-set] / ˈtaɪpˌsɛt /

verb (used with object)

typeset, typesetting

1. to set (textual matter) in type.

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adjective

1. (of written, textual matter) set in type.

typeset British  

/ ˈtaɪpˌsɛt /

verb

1. (tr) printing to set (textual matter) in type

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Etymology

Origin of typeset

First recorded in 1865–70; back formation from typesetter

Explanation

To typeset is to arrange pieces of type, each one representing a letter or symbol, in preparation for printing. Before mechanical printing was developed (and after that, computer-based printing), almost all printed materials had to be typeset by hand. Typesetters would arrange each individual piece of type, composing an entire page before inking and printing on paper. Today, items that are printed by hand (like letterpress cards and books) still have to be typeset, but in most of the printing world, this kind of work is obsolete.

Example Sentences

Picking up the typeset Bible text not only speeded production, Mr. Perridge said, but also was a nod to the King James Version’s heritage.

From Washington Times • May 4, 2023

This was before computers were widely available, so Ng’s staffers had to typeset the Chinese characters manually, using a bulky machine imported from Taiwan.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 19, 2023

The royal blog also noted the card’s black border, a typeset feature they said signified "mourning" and is an "old Victorian-era tradition."

From Fox News • Aug. 18, 2021

Long books may be packed tightly into single-volume paperbacks, but they are best read when designed and typeset with plenty of space, good margins, good type size, and elegant layout.

From The Verge • Apr. 22, 2020

Words appear over the walls, typeset letters overlapping handwritten text.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern