font

¹

[ font ]

noun

1. a receptacle, usually of stone, as in a baptistery or church, containing the water used in baptism.
2. a receptacle for holy water; stoup.
3. a productive source:

   The book is a font of useful tips for travelers.

4. the reservoir for oil in a lamp.
5. Archaic. a fountain.

font

²

[ font ]

noun

, Printing.

1. a complete assortment of type of one style and size.

font

¹

/ fɒnt /

noun

1. printing a complete set of type of one style and size Also calledfount

font

²

/ fɒnt /

noun

1. 1. a large bowl for baptismal water, usually mounted on a pedestal
   2. a receptacle for holy water
2. the reservoir for oil in an oil lamp
3. archaic.
   a fountain or well

Derived Forms

• ˈfontal, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of font¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English; Old English font, fant, from Latin font-, stem of fōns “baptismal font, spring, fountain”

Origin of font²

First recorded in 1570–80; from Middle French fonte, from Vulgar Latin funditus (unrecorded) “a pouring, molding, casting,” verbal noun from Latin fundere “to pour”; found ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of font¹

C16: from Old French fonte a founding, casting, from Vulgar Latin funditus (unattested) a casting, from Latin fundere to melt; see found ³

Origin of font²

Old English, from Church Latin fons , from Latin: fountain

Example Sentences

Election mourners won’t find much solace in their newsfeeds, but there is something else to keep us afloat for now: the font of absurdist humor produced by a Trump presidency.

From Los Angeles Times

But how does an artist like Charli keep that flame cooking, once presidential aspirants are no longer using her font?

From Los Angeles Times

It set itself apart in the market with colorful packaging, futuristic fonts and Instagram and TikTok content featuring Princess Gollum and her internet famous fashion friends.

From Los Angeles Times

Bubble launched in 2020 as a Gen Z-oriented brand, with eye-catching packaging in vibrant colors and bold fonts, and quickly caught on with preteens as well.

From Los Angeles Times

But being in a healthy relationship wasn’t exactly a font of inspiration.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• typeface