printer

American  

[prin-ter] / ˈprɪn tər /

noun

1. a person or thing that prints, especially a person whose occupation is printing.

2. Computers. an output device that produces a paper copy of alphanumeric or graphic data.

3. an instrument that automatically records telegraphic messages by means of a printing mechanism activated by incoming signals.

4. Movies. a photographic machine through which either the negative or positive of a master print can be run, together with unexposed film, to make a duplicate.

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printer British  

/ ˈprɪntə /

noun

1. a person or business engaged in printing

2. a machine or device that prints

3. computing an output device for printing results on paper

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Other Word Forms

• printerlike adjective

Etymology

Origin of printer

First recorded in 1495–1505; print + -er ¹

Explanation

A printer might be a person whose job is to make copies of printed material, or a machine that’s hooked up to a computer and prints on paper. With a 3D printer, you can even “print” a spatula! A 3D printer creates a replica of an image sent to it from a computer, whether it’s a car part or a spatula. Most people have the regular kind of printer, though, that they use to print things like essays or articles. Or, you might hire a printer to make your wedding invitations. The original printers, circa 1500, were people who operated a moveable type printing press (invented in 1450), printing books and other texts in small quantities.

Example Sentences

Grab is exploring the addition of an AI voice assistant to help merchants interact hands-free with the printer.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Under the Representation of the People Act 1983, election material must include the name and address of those promoted by the document, the promoter, and the printer.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

Personal-system unit sales rose 12%, while sales of printer units fell 6%.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 25, 2026

She had initially invested in a 3D printer, which can cost about $200, to create merch for her website, but she says some people in the movement bought their first printers just for whistles.

From Slate • Jan. 31, 2026

“When I saw your interview online, I remembered you and the printer fiasco.”

From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas

Related Words

• laser printer