typewriter

American  

[tahyp-rahy-ter] / ˈtaɪpˌraɪ tər /

noun

1. a machine for writing mechanically in letters and characters like those produced by printers' types.

2. Printing. a type style that gives the appearance of typewritten copy.

3. Older Use. a typist.

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typewriter British  

/ ˈtaɪpˌraɪtə /

noun

1. a keyboard machine for writing mechanically in characters resembling print. It may be operated entirely by hand ( manual typewriter ) or be powered by electricity ( electric typewriter )

2. printing a style of type resembling typescript

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Etymology

Origin of typewriter

An Americanism dating back to 1865–70; type + writer

Example Sentences

The typewriter as a teaching tool in the age of AI.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Yet with the final remnant of muscular control in his right thumb, he spelled out letters at an adapted typewriter beside Edith.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

Last year, Australian radio hosts Fifi, Fev and Nick claimed it was finished and that Styles wrote it entirely "on a typewriter" - although their sources seemed dubious, at best.

From BBC • Jan. 13, 2026

One chimpanzee with a typewriter could pound out the script for “Primate” in an hour.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 9, 2026

An old typewriter full of cobwebs sat on the floor in a corner.

From "Breaking Through" by Francisco Jiménez