# printer

/ˈpɹɪnɝ/ (US) · /pɹˈɪntɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/printer
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. computer hardware

noun · CEFR A2

a machine connected to a computer that prints text or images onto paper.

For teachers: a peripheral device that produces a hard copy of documents or images stored in electronic form, usually on paper.

- I need to buy more ink because the printer is running out.
- The office upgraded to a high-speed laser printer to handle the increased volume of marketing reports required for the quarterly review.

Usage: Countable noun; often used with 'ink', 'toner', or 'paper'.

### 2. a person or business

noun · CEFR B2

a person or a company that prints books, magazines, or newspapers.

For teachers: a person or commercial entity whose occupation or business is the production of printed material.

- The author sent the final version of the book to the printer.
- After the layout was finalised, the publisher contacted a local printer to discuss the costs of a five-thousand-copy print run.

Usage: Can refer to the individual worker or the entire company metonymically.

### 3. 3D manufacturing

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a machine that can create solid, three-dimensional objects from a digital design.

For teachers: a device used in additive manufacturing to create three-dimensional objects by laying down successive layers of material.

- The engineer used a 3D printer to make a plastic model of the new car.
- Advancements in medical technology now allow researchers to use a specialised printer to create biocompatible scaffolds for tissue engineering.

## Examples

- The printer is out of paper again.
- I need to connect my laptop to the office printer to get these contracts ready for the meeting.
- Modern laser printers use a dry powder called toner to produce high-quality text and graphics at significantly higher speeds than traditional inkjet models.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.