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Synonyms

word processing

American  
Or word-processing

noun

  1. writing, editing, and production of documents, as letters, reports, and books, through the use of a computer program or a complete computer system designed to facilitate rapid and efficient manipulation of text. WP


word processing British  

noun

  1. the composition of documents using a computer system to input, edit, store, and print them

"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

Etymology

Origin of word processing

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Microsoft Word brought word processing to the masses.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

"We sometimes overvalue the role of proprietary software in our organisations," Mr Maisto says, pointing out that for key services like word processing and email, open-source solutions work just fine.

From BBC • Aug. 17, 2025

For example, it is well established how much energy a computer with word processing software uses per hour.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2024

After Gmail came Google Maps and Google Docs with word processing and spreadsheet applications.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 31, 2024

Transmission to point of use Suppose you have a graphics file or a word processing file containing your brochure.

From Email 101 by Goodwin, John

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