English Reference
noun

printing

n.
US /ˈpɹɪnɪŋ/ UK /pɹˈɪntɪŋ/ print·ing UK spelling printings

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    the business or act of producing books, newspapers, or documents using a machine.

    the process or commercial industry of producing text and images on paper or other substrates using a press or digital printer.

    Simple

    The invention of printing changed how people shared information forever.

    In context

    Advances in digital printing have significantly reduced the overhead costs for small-scale independent publishers.

    Usage

    uncountable in this sense

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    writing where the letters are not joined together, like the letters on a screen.

    a style of handwriting in which the characters are formed individually and are not cursive or joined.

    Simple

    Please use clear printing when you fill out this official form.

    In context

    The teacher noted that the student's printing was exceptionally legible, though his cursive remained somewhat cramped and difficult to decipher.

    Usage

    uncountable in this sense

    block lettersprint
    cursivelonghand
  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical

    all the copies of a book that are made at one time.

    a single batch of a publication produced during one continuous operation of a press.

    Simple

    The first printing of the novel sold out in just two days.

    In context

    Collectors often seek out the first printing of a classic work, as subsequent impressions may contain subtle typographical corrections.

    Usage

    countable in this sense

Usage printing press

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated