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hand (like letterpress cards and books) still have to be typeset, but in most of the printing world, this kind of work is obsolete.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

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

“At some point printers were faced with a choice: ‘How do I typeset other people’s words?’”

From Washington Post • Feb. 13, 2022

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

Lev's going to typeset it on a cream paper, with an orange cover.

From "What the Night Sings" by Vesper Stamper