typewriting

American  

[tahyp-rahy-ting] / ˈtaɪpˌraɪ tɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or skill of using a typewriter.

2. printed work done on a typewriter.

---

typewriting British  

/ ˈtaɪpˌraɪtɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or skill of using a typewriter

2. copy produced by a typewriter; typescript

---

Etymology

Origin of typewriting

First recorded in 1865–70; typewrit(er) + -ing ¹

Explanation

Writing by pushing keys on a keyboard is typewriting. If your handwriting is so messy that no one can read it, you might want to try typewriting your essay instead. Since the invention and popular use of the typewriter in the second part of the 1800s, typewriting (or typing) has been a fast way to write and produce a professional-looking document. Over the years, use of typewriters has declined with the rise of computers, and today most typewriting is done on a nearly silent keyboard rather than a clattering typewriter.

Example Sentences

She saved only one, with typewriting on the envelope.

From Salon • Jun. 16, 2022

“Thank you … for keeping the sound and fury of typewriting available to all.”

From Seattle Times • Jul. 8, 2021

It was recognized as the most advanced typewriting machine yet, and won first prize and a gold medal.

From Scientific American • Feb. 21, 2014

In 1887, Rudyard Kipling met one of the new breed of typewriting girls while visiting San Francisco.

From BBC • Jul. 25, 2013

For a moment I thought, and as my eyes ranged the room, unconsciously looking for something or some opportunity to aid me, they lit on a great batch of typewriting on the table.

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker