Lettering: meaning, definitions and examples

Same word as before. Sometimes used interchangeably with 'typography,' but more often when discussing hand-drawn or custom-designed text.

• The artist's unique lettering style makes each piece stand out.
• Modern projects often blend digital and traditional lettering techniques.

Refers to the art of beautiful, stylized, and expressive writing. Typically used for formal, ceremonial, or artistic purposes.

• At the art fair, a booth was dedicated to traditional calligraphy.
• He took a class to learn the ancient art of Japanese calligraphy.

Pertains to the art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and visually appealing, usually in digital or print media.

• Good typography is crucial for designing user-friendly websites.
• He studied typography as part of his graphic design degree.

Commonly used to describe the way a person writes text by hand, focusing on the personal style and legibility rather than artistic quality.

• Her handwriting is so neat that it looks like it was typed.
• Teachers often find it hard to read his messy handwriting.

Used when referring to the style or art of designing letters, especially in contexts such as graphic design, tattoos, and sign-making.

• The sign had beautiful, ornate lettering
• She specializes in custom lettering for wedding invitations

Used in a general sense to describe the act of producing text with a pen, pencil, or keyboard; versatile and common in everyday communication.

• She enjoys writing stories in her free time
• His writing was neat and easy to read

Often refers to the act of marking or engraving lines onto a surface for purposes like construction or metalworking. It implies a more technical or precise method.

• The carpenter spent hours scribing lines onto the wood
• His job involved scribing measurements for metal sheets

Appropriate for texts that are engraved or carved into surfaces like stone, metal, or wood, often in a historical or commemorative context.

• The ancient temple walls were covered in inscriptions
• There is an inscription on the plaque commemorating the event

Used when referring to hand-drawn or hand-painted letters, often seen in custom signs, artwork, or design work.

• She showed her talent for lettering by handcrafting beautiful banners for the event.
• The storefront's unique lettering caught the attention of many passersby.

Specifically related to the arrangement and styling of text for printing, especially in publishing books and newspapers.

• The typesetting for the new book made it very easy to read.
• She decided to learn typesetting to get a job in the publishing industry.

Applies to the process of producing text and images on paper using a printing press or digital printer, commonly used in books, newspapers, and flyers.

• The company specializes in printing high-quality business cards and brochures.
• His printing was so clear and precise, it looked like it had been done by a machine.

Refers to a style of handwriting or typeface that resembles cursive or calligraphy, often used for formal invitations, certificates, and decorative writing.

• Her elegant script made the wedding invitations look truly special.
• He wrote the letter in a beautiful script that was almost like art.