What does boldface mean?
Boldface refers to type that is printed with thick, heavy strokes, producing a darker, more prominent appearance than ordinary text. It is one of the standard tools of typography, alongside italics and small capitals, and is conventionally used to draw attention to headings, key terms, names, or important passages. The word functions chiefly as a noun — "the definition appears in boldface" — but also serves as an adjective describing the type itself, as in "boldface type," and less commonly as a verb meaning to convert text into bold. In everyday digital writing, people often shorten this simply to "bold," reserving "boldface" for more formal publishing or editorial discussion. The term belongs to the specialized vocabulary of printing and design, yet it remains widely understood because bold lettering is ubiquitous in books, newspapers, and on screens. Its counterpart, lightface, denotes ordinary-weight type.
Type set in heavy strokes; also, the use of such type to emphasize particular words or passages.
"The instructions were easy to follow because each step number appeared in boldface."
Most common in publishing, editing, and typographic contexts; in informal computing usage people usually say just "bold."
To put text into bold type, typically to emphasize it.
"Please boldface any terms you want the reader to notice first."
Used mainly in editorial or instructional settings; less common than simply saying "make it bold" or "bold it."
Relating to or characterized by heavy, dark type; set in bold type.
"The chapter titles are given in boldface letters."
Typically appears attributively before "type," "letters," or "characters."
The plural is rare and generally refers to multiple instances of bold type or multiple uses of boldface styling in a document.
"The designer reduced the number of boldfaces on the page to keep the layout clean."
Before computers, setting text in boldface meant physically swapping to a heavier metal type — emphasis literally weighed more on the page.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of boldface
The word boldface is a straightforward English compound of "bold" and "face," where "face" refers to a typeface — the design of a set of letters. It arose within the vocabulary of printing and typography, likely in the 19th century as printers distinguished between weights of type. It is related to other compound typographic terms such as "lightface" and "italic face," all built on the notion of a letter's "face" or visual design.
Related word forms
How boldface is actually used
"Boldface" is primarily used in printing, publishing, and typographic contexts, though it also appears in everyday computing and editing language. As an adjective it describes type itself ("boldface type"); as a verb, "to boldface" means to put text into bold. In casual digital contexts, people more often simply say "bold."
Easily confused with boldface
Italic is slanted type used for emphasis or titles, whereas boldface is upright but heavier and darker in stroke.