What does uppercase mean?
Uppercase is a word used chiefly for capital letters and for the act of converting text into capital letters. As an adjective, it describes writing or printing in capital letters: an uppercase title is immediately noticeable and easy to read at a distance. As a noun, uppercase can refer to capital letters collectively, especially when contrasting them with lowercase. As a verb, uppercase means to write or convert something in capital letters. The term is common in formal instructions, publishing, graphic design, computing, and everyday descriptions of signs. It is usually neutral, although uppercase can carry an implication of importance, warning, authority, or heightened emphasis. The word also preserves a piece of printing history: capital letters were traditionally stored in the upper part of a printer's compartmented type case, while smaller letters occupied lower sections.
Consisting of capital letters or using capital letters.
"The announcement is printed in uppercase."
Often used for text that is prominent, emphatic, or intended to be read easily from a distance.
Capital letters collectively; the upper case.
"Type the password in uppercase to distinguish it from lowercase letters."
The plural “uppercases” is uncommon and may refer to individual capital letters in specialized discussion.
To write, print, or convert text in capital letters.
"The editor instructed the designer to uppercase the headline."
Common in publishing, typography, computing, and display formatting.
Rarely used; “uppercase” is normally treated as an uncountable collective noun. The plural can refer to individual capital letters in specialized contexts.
"The font contains carefully drawn uppercases and lowercases."
Before digital keyboards, printers kept capital letters in the upper part of the type case—literally giving us the word “uppercase.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does uppercase come from?
The word “uppercase” combines “upper” with “case,” the printing term for a compartmented box in which types were stored. It was in use by the early 17th century, when uppercase letters occupied the upper part of the type case. “Upper” comes through Old French from Latin superus, meaning “higher” or “upper,” while the printing sense of “case” developed through French and Italian forms ultimately related to Latin capere, “to take.”
Related word forms
How uppercase is actually used
“Uppercase” is neutral in register and common in British and American English. In modern usage it is normally written as one word, although “upper case” occurs in some historical and specialized descriptions of typography.