What does typewriting mean?
Typewriting is the activity of writing with a mechanical typewriter, as distinct from handwriting or the use of a modern computer keyboard. Historically, it referred both to the skill of operating the machine and to the text produced on it. In contemporary English, the word often carries a nostalgic or historical connotation, evoking offices, correspondence, journalism, and the era before personal computers. It can also have a broader, slightly literary use for the practice of typing, even when a computer is involved. The term is most often associated with documents described as typewritten, and phrases such as typewriting class and typewriting speed reflect its role as a taught professional skill. Although typing has largely replaced typewriting in everyday use, the older term remains useful when the specific process or period matters, such as when describing archival documents, historical work, or the distinctive appearance of typewritten text.
The activity or skill of writing with a typewriter, or text produced by using one.
"The museum displays an early example of professional typewriting."
Usually uncountable in modern use; “typewritings” is a rare plural.
The present participle of typewrite: writing with a typewriter.
"She was typewriting a formal letter at the end of the day."
This is a traditional or literary alternative to the more usual present participle “typing.”
Rare; typewriting is normally used as an uncountable noun.
"The collection preserves typewritings by several early women writers."
Before computers and word processors, a polished typewritten letter could be a sign of professional training and careful attention to detail.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does typewriting come from?
Typewriting was formed from typewrite, a compound of type and write, with the suffix -ing, which can form a gerund or verbal noun. Type ultimately comes through Latin typus from Greek typos, a word associated with a model, pattern, or impression, while write belongs to the Germanic vocabulary of English. The development of the typewriter made typewriting a recognizable modern practice during the nineteenth century.
Related word forms
How typewriting is actually used
As a noun, typewriting is usually uncountable and has a historical or nostalgic register today, though it may also refer broadly to the technique of typing. As a verb form, it is literary or deliberately traditional in style and less common than typing.
Easily confused with typewriting
Typewriting is the activity or result of writing with a typewriter, whereas a typewriter is the machine used to perform it.