What does press mean?
“Press” is a versatile word with both literal and figurative meanings. As a verb, it describes applying steady force to an object, as when pressing a button or key, and it can also mean urging people to act or answer questions firmly and repeatedly. In journalism, “to press” can mean to investigate a matter or question officials closely. As a noun, a press may be a newspaper or news organization, such as a national or local press. It can also refer to machinery that applies pressure, compresses materials, or performs printing, and to a storage unit for clothes or other items. The word is standard in British and American English and can sound forceful or persistent, especially when describing repeated questions or demands. Its broad range of meanings makes it useful in discussions of technology, media, politics, manufacturing, and everyday actions.
A newspaper or news organization that publishes news and commentary.
"The story received wide coverage in the national press."
A machine for exerting pressure, shaping material, or printing.
"The bottle was placed in the press to flatten it."
A tall storage unit or shelving unit, especially for clothes.
"She kept the old coats at the top of the press."
To apply steady force or pressure to something.
"Press the pedal down slowly."
The plural is used for multiple newspapers or news organizations, multiple machines, and multiple storage units.
"Several presses reported the announcement."
From the Latin premere, meaning “to press,” the word “press” grew into names for both powerful machines and the institutions that shaped public opinion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does press come from?
The word comes from Old French presser, a form of presser meaning “to press,” derived from Latin premere, “to press, squeeze, or urge.” In English it developed in senses connected both to applying physical pressure and to urging someone firmly. The same Latin root appears in words such as pressure, express, depress, and impress, reflecting the related ideas of compression, movement outward, lowering, or forceful impact.
Related word forms
How press is actually used
The word is formal and neutral in most contexts, though “press” can imply repeated or persistent questioning when used as a verb. In business and media contexts, “press” commonly refers to journalists or to the act of publicizing news.
Easily confused with press
Prestige means reputation, respect, or distinction, whereas a press is a publishing organization or a machine that applies pressure.
As a verb, press can mean to urge persistently, while press as a noun can refer to a newspaper, a publishing organization, or a pressure machine.