# printing

/ˈpɹɪnɪŋ/ (US) · /pɹˈɪntɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/printing
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. the process or industry

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The invention of printing changed how people shared information forever.
- Advances in digital printing have significantly reduced the overhead costs for small-scale independent publishers.

Usage: uncountable in this sense

### 2. handwriting style

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

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

### 3. a batch of books

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

- The first printing of the novel sold out in just two days.
- Collectors often seek out the first printing of a classic work, as subsequent impressions may contain subtle typographical corrections.

Usage: countable in this sense

## Examples

- The printing of the new books starts tomorrow morning.
- Modern digital printing allows small businesses to produce high-quality marketing materials without ordering thousands of copies.
- The first printing of the novel sold out within hours, prompting the publisher to immediately commission a second, larger run to meet the unexpected demand.

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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.