What does print mean?
“Print” is a familiar word with both concrete and informational meanings. As a noun, it can refer to a printed text or image, the material produced by printing, or the process used to reproduce writing and images. As a verb, it means to reproduce text or pictures on paper or another surface, though it also has the established meanings of publishing a work and marking information with letters or symbols. In photography, a print is a photograph produced on paper or another surface. The word is especially useful when distinguishing physical, permanently reproduced material from digital or temporary forms: something may exist “in print” even if it is also available online, while a book can become “out of print” when it is no longer being produced or supplied. “Print” also appears in phrases such as “print run,” referring to the number of copies produced at one time, and “print edition,” meaning a version issued in printed form.
Text, an image, or a reproduced design appearing on paper or another surface; also the process of producing printed material or a photographic image.
"The cover featured a striking print of a bluebird."
In photography, a print is a photograph made on a physical surface. In publishing, “in print” refers to a work currently published in physical form.
To reproduce text or an image on a surface, especially by printing, typing, or another marking process; to publish a work; or to make a photographic image.
"The label was printed in large letters on the front of the package."
“Print” is also used informally for displaying information, as in “print the results on screen.”
The plural of the noun, used for separate reproduced texts, images, or photographic images.
"The exhibition included several prints from the artist’s earliest series."
Before screens, the word print meant both the material produced by a printing press and the act of placing ideas permanently on paper.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does print come from?
English “print” comes through Middle English from Old French preinte, a form related to the feminine past participle of preindre, “to press.” The Old French word ultimately derives from Latin imprimere, formed from in- and premere, “to press.” The same Latin root appears in cognates such as impress, expression, compression, and depression, all of which involve the idea of pressing or putting into words or form.
Related word forms
How print is actually used
“In print” means published in a physical, usually printed, form; “out of print” means no longer available from the publisher. In photography, “print” commonly refers to a photographic image made on paper. “Print” can also mean to display information, as in a statement printed on a form.
Easily confused with print
A print reproduces text or an image on a surface, whereas paint is a liquid or solid coating applied to a surface with a brush, roller, or spray.