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

“Science becomes technology,” Goldberg told me recently, “technology becomes an asset that can be packaged as a product or service. Xerox didn’t understand what was in their hands.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 24, 2026

The other half is convinced that Luke Potter will become a verb like Xerox or fax.

From "The View From Saturday" by E.L. Konigsburg

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