Xerox

American  

[zeer-oks] / ˈzɪər ɒks /

Trademark.

1. a brand name for a copying machine for reproducing printed, written, or pictorial matter by xerography.

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noun

1. (sometimes lowercase) a copy made on a xerographic copying machine.

verb (used with or without object)

1. (sometimes lowercase) to print or reproduce by xerography.

Xerox British  

/ ˈzɪərɒks /

noun

1. 1. a xerographic copying process

   2. a machine employing this process

   3. a copy produced by this process

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verb

1. to produce a copy of (a document, illustration, etc) by this process

Explanation

When you use a copy machine, you make a xerox. Some college classes require you to buy expensive textbooks, while others provide you with binders full of xeroxes. The word xerox is trademarked, kind of like Frisbee or Kleenex. The word was coined in the 1950s, from xerography, "printing without the use of liquid chemicals," which has a Greek root, xeros, "dry," and an ending borrowed from photography. You can use xerox as a noun or a verb: "You should xerox your ID and keep a copy of it on file in case you lose your wallet."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Xerox

Xerox upped the pressure on HP for months until the pandemic prompted it to abandon the pursuit, citing economic and health impacts.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 19, 2026

“We view the current environment as an opportunity,” TPG Chief Executive Jon Winkelried said on the firm’s quarterly earnings call, citing deals such as a $450 million debt transaction with Xerox.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 13, 2026

That produced an angry call from Jobs to his contacts at Xerox headquarters, resulting in an order to let the Apple group back in.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 24, 2026

At his urging, Jobs told Xerox that he would sell the giant corporation 100,000 private shares at $10.50 each in return for an invitation to PARC.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 24, 2026

Russo, who helped out many nights, devised the time-saving innovation of taping two strips of cardboard to the glass of the Xerox machine.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin