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typewriter

/ˌtaɪpˈraɪdər/
/ˈtaɪpraɪtə/
IPA guide

Other forms: typewriters

A typewriter is an old-fashioned machine for printing letters, school assignments, and other written works. Each key on a typewriter prints a single letter, number, or symbol in ink on a piece of paper.

There are similarities between a computer keyboard and a typewriter — you use both by pressing one key at a time. But instead of watching a cursor move across a screen as you type (moving backwards easily, automatically deleting mistakes), a typewriter makes a physical mark on paper. Instead of printing your letter out (or emailing it), when you use a typewriter, you create the final product as you go, simply pulling it out of the typewriter when you finish.

Definitions of typewriter
  1. noun
    hand-operated character printer for printing written messages one character at a time
    see moresee less
    types:
    electric typewriter
    a typewriter powered by an electric motor
    portable
    a small light typewriter; usually with a case in which it can be carried
    stenograph
    a machine for typewriting shorthand characters
    type of:
    character printer, character-at-a-time printer, serial printer
    a printer that prints a single character at a time
Pronunciation
US
/ˌtaɪpˈraɪdər/
UK
/ˈtaɪpraɪtə/
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