Meaning & use
typeface
Last updated
Meaning
nouncountable
A particular design for printed or digital letters and characters, such as Times New Roman.
Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a typeface' or 'typefaces'. It refers to the design family, not to a specific size or weight.
Patterns
- a typeface
- use a typeface
- choose a typeface
The designer chose a clean typeface for the website.
This book uses a classic typeface.
You can change the typeface in the settings menu.
Word forms
| plural | typefaces |
|---|
Common combinations
- serif typeface
- A serif typeface often looks more traditional.
- sans-serif typeface
- Modern websites often use a sans-serif typeface.
- bold typeface
- The title is in a bold typeface.
- choose a typeface
- Choose a typeface that is easy to read.
Synonyms and how they differ
Word family
- type noun
- Printed letters or characters in general.
- typography noun
- The art or style of arranging type.
- typographer noun
- A person who designs or arranges type.
Commonly confused: typeface or font?
typeface vs font
A typeface is the design (e.g. Arial); a font is a specific version of it, such as Arial 12-point bold. In everyday speech, many people use 'font' for both.
Practice
The designer chose a simple ___ for the headings.
Choose one answer.
'Typeface' means a design for letters, which fits choosing something for headings. A 'typewriter' is a machine, a 'typist' is a person, and 'typing' is an activity.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “typeface”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.