typewriter

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A machine with keys that you press to print letters onto paper, used especially before computers became common.

   Grammar: Countable: a typewriter, two typewriters. Often used with 'on' when talking about writing: 'written on a typewriter'.

   Patterns

   • on a typewriter
   • use a typewriter
   • type something on a typewriter

   My grandfather wrote all his letters on an old typewriter.

   She found a dusty typewriter in the attic and tried to make it work.

   Before computers, offices were full of the sound of typewriters.

2. 2nouncountableold-fashionedrare

   A person whose job is to type documents, especially in a law office or similar setting.

   Grammar: This sense is now rare and old-fashioned; 'typist' is the usual word for a person who types.

   Patterns

   • work as a typewriter
   • a court typewriter

   In the 1920s, a typewriter in a law firm had to be very accurate.

   She worked as a typewriter for a judge before the job title changed.

Word forms

Common combinations

an old typewriter

He keeps an old typewriter on his desk as a decoration.

type on a typewriter

You have to press the keys harder when you type on a typewriter.

a manual typewriter

A manual typewriter has no electricity and works with metal arms.

an electric typewriter

Electric typewriters were faster than the manual kind.

Synonyms and how they differ

word processor

A word processor is an electronic machine or program for writing; a typewriter is mechanical and prints directly onto paper.

Word family

type verb

To write using a keyboard or typewriter.

typist noun

A person whose job is typing.

typing noun

The activity or skill of using a keyboard.

Commonly confused: typewriter or typist?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “typewriter”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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