# typography

/təˈpɑɡɹəfi/ (US) · /taɪpˈɒɡɹəfi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/typography
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. the art of arranging text

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the skill or work of arranging letters and words on a page or screen to make them look good.

For teachers: the art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and appealing when displayed.

- Good typography makes a long article much easier to read on a phone.
- The designer's mastery of typography ensured that the brand's identity remained consistent across both high-resolution print and mobile interfaces.

Usage: Uncountable in this sense; refers to the craft or professional field.

### 2. visual style of printed matter

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the specific look and style of the printed text in a book or document.

For teachers: the general character, appearance, or style of printed or typeset matter.

- I really like the typography used in this old magazine.
- The book's elegant typography, featuring wide margins and a classic serif font, reflects the formal nature of the historical subject matter.

## Examples

- The typography on the book cover is very modern.
- Good typography is essential for a website because it helps users read the content without straining their eyes.
- While the illustrations were striking, the poor choice of typography made the technical manual nearly impossible to navigate, as the cramped lettering obscured the hierarchical structure of the text.

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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.