What does typo mean?
A typo is an error in typed or printed text, most often a misspelled word or an incorrectly placed character. The word is also used informally as a verb, meaning to make a typing error: “She typoed the email address.” It is common in everyday digital communication, editing, publishing, and academic work, though “typographical error” may sound more formal in formal or professional contexts. A typo can be minor, such as a missing comma, or more noticeable, such as an incorrect name or number. Because it is short, familiar, and specific, “typo” efficiently identifies a particular kind of mistake involving written language. It is especially useful when discussing corrections, proofreading, communication errors, and the carelessness that can accompany hurried writing, although spelling, punctuation, and formatting mistakes are all commonly described this way.
An error in typed or printed text, especially a misspelled or incorrectly entered word.
"There is a typo in the date on the form."
Common in informal and professional contexts; “typographical error” is a more formal alternative.
To make an error in typed or printed text.
"I typoed the website address and could not reach the page."
Informal; it usually means to mistype a word, character, or detail.
The regular plural is “typos.”
"The manuscript still contains several typos."
“Typo” is digital shorthand for a typographic error: a whole mistake compressed into one tiny word.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does typo come from?
“Typo” was formed by blending “typographic” with “error,” a construction that was in use by the early twentieth century. Its “typographic” element comes through Latin and ultimately from the Greek typos, meaning a model, pattern, or impressed form. The shorter form became especially widespread with the spread of typewriters and later computers.
Related word forms
How typo is actually used
“Typo” is informal but widely accepted in ordinary writing and digital communication. The verb forms “typoed” and “typoing” are common, although “make a typing error” is more formal.
Easily confused with typo
A typo is an error made in writing, while a type is a kind, category, or example of something.