ENGLISH
REFERENCE

typo

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈtaɪpoʊ// UK //tˈaɪpəʊ// ty·po Archaic Informal

n. a small mistake in something that is printed or typed. It usually happens because your finger hit the wrong key or you were typing too fast.

n. a small error in printed or typed material, typically resulting from a mechanical failure or a slip of the hand.


SIMPLE

I noticed a small typo in the first paragraph of the email.

CONTEXTUAL

The restaurant had to reprint all its menus because of a typo in the price of the daily special.

COMPLEX

While a single typo in a casual text message is usually ignored, multiple errors in a formal cover letter can create an impression of carelessness that undermines the applicant's credibility.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

Clipping of typographical error.

Etymology 2

Clipping of typographer.

Usage

Commonly used with the verbs 'make', 'spot', or 'fix'.

Pitfall

I did a typoI made a typoIn English, you 'make' a typo or 'there is' a typo; you do not 'do' one.

© 2026 English Reference