hard copy

noun

1. copy, as computer output printed on paper, that can be read without using a special device ( soft copy ).
2. copy that is finished and ready for the printer.

hard copy

noun

1. computer output printed on paper, as contrasted with machine-readable output such as magnetic tape

Other Words From

• hard-copy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hard copy¹

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

Do people prefer “certain documents in hard-copy” or do they “favor online disclosure?”

From The Daily Beast

“A Setback in the Israeli Parliament for Settlers,” announced my hard copy of The New York Times.

From The Daily Beast

Papers are in full-on wedding mode as the official program is finally made available in hard copy form.

From The Daily Beast

The resulting etext was compared with a public domain hard copy version of the text.

From Project Gutenberg

Please note that the hard-copy book used to create this ebook was not in the best condition.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• printout