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Definition of typewriter

typewriter

/ˈtaɪpˌraɪ.tɚ/
type · writ · er
Plural:typewriters
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typewriter Lexical Profile

typewriter Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A mechanical or electromechanical machine with keys that, when pressed, cause ink to be applied to a medium, usually paper, creating printed characters one by one.

Example

"Before the advent of personal computers, the journalist drafted all of his articles on a heavy manual typewriter."

2

A person who operates a typing machine. (Historical and mostly archaic)

Example

"In the late nineteenth century, the firm hired a skilled typewriter to efficiently process their outgoing correspondence."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for typewriter

• Nearby Words

typesetting
typestyle
typewrite
typewriter
typewriting
typewritten
typha

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 1860s from the words 'type' and 'writer'. Initially, the term was used to refer both to the new mechanical writing device and to the person who operated it (who is now exclusively called a typist).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Typewriter. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/typewriter
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