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Typewriter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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typewriter

[ˈtaɪpˌraɪ.t̬ər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

office equipment

A typewriter is a machine with keys that you press to print letters or numbers onto paper. Typewriters were widely used before computers became popular.

Synonyms

keyboard, word processor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
typewriter

This term is used when referring to a mechanical or electromechanical machine used for typing characters. It's often associated with the past and has a nostalgic or vintage feel.

  • She wrote her first novel on an old typewriter.
  • The museum had an exhibit featuring antique typewriters.
word processor

This term is used when talking about software or electronic devices specifically designed for word processing tasks, such as writing, editing, and formatting text.

  • Microsoft Word is a popular word processor.
  • She edits all her documents using a word processor.
keyboard

This word is appropriate when referring to the input device used with computers and other electronic devices to type text or commands.

  • He needs a new keyboard for his computer.
  • Typing on a keyboard all day can lead to wrist strain.

Examples of usage

  • The secretary used a typewriter to type up the report.
  • He still prefers writing on a typewriter rather than using a computer.
Context #2 | Noun

obsolete technology

A typewriter is a device that prints letters and symbols onto paper when a person presses the keys. It was commonly used for writing before the invention of computers and printers.

Synonyms

typing machine, writing machine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
typewriter

Commonly used to refer to older mechanical or electromechanical devices used for writing text before the advent of computers.

  • She found an old typewriter in her grandmother's attic.
  • He likes the sound of the typewriter while writing his novel.
writing machine

Less commonly used term for typewriter, can be seen in historical or academic contexts.

  • Historians often study the evolution of writing machines.
  • She learned to use a writing machine in the 1940s.
typing machine

This is an alternative way to refer to a typewriter, typically in a more technical or descriptive context.

  • The antique shop had several typing machines on display.
  • The typing machine was a huge innovation in its time.

Examples of usage

  • My grandfather still has his old typewriter from the 1950s.
  • She found an antique typewriter at the flea market.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The first commercially successful typewriter was invented by Christopher Latham Sholes in 1868, and it was called the Sholes and Glidden typewriter.
  • The original typewriter featured the QWERTY keyboard layout, designed to prevent mechanical jams by placing frequently used letters far from each other.
  • Typewriters played a crucial role in the rise of the publishing industry, allowing for faster and more efficient writing of manuscripts.

Cultural Impact

  • In the early 20th century, typewriters became symbolic of women's independence, as many women entered the workforce as typists.
  • The sound of a typewriter became an iconic auditory backdrop in films and literature, representing creativity and the writer's process.
  • Typewriters are still celebrated in contemporary art and music, with some artists using them to create unique works or live performances.

Technology

  • Typewriters were equipped with a carriage and typebars, which struck an ink ribbon against paper to create letters.
  • The development of the electric typewriter in the mid-20th century revolutionized typing by reducing effort and increasing typing speed.
  • Despite the advent of computers, some enthusiasts continue to use typewriters for their nostalgic and tactile writing experience.

Psychology

  • Writing on a typewriter can enhance focus and creativity due to its tactile feedback, which some users find more satisfying than using a computer.
  • Typewriting encourages a different rhythm in writing since the machine requires physical effort and can impact the flow of ideas.
  • The physical act of typing, as opposed to digital typing, may engage cognitive processes differently, influencing how ideas are formed and developed.

Literature

  • Many renowned authors, such as Ernest Hemingway and Virginia Woolf, wrote using typewriters, which shaped their writing style and creativity.
  • The typewriter has been used as a plot device in various novels and films, often representing the struggles and triumphs of writers.
  • Some modern literature still embraces the typewriter aesthetic, celebrating its nostalgic qualities and the authenticity it brings to the writing process.

Origin of 'typewriter'

The typewriter was invented in the 1860s by Christopher Latham Sholes, Carlos Glidden, and Samuel W. Soule. The first commercially successful typewriter was introduced in 1874 by Remington and Sons. The typewriter revolutionized writing and communication, allowing for faster and more legible text than handwritten documents. Over the years, typewriters evolved with various designs and features until they were eventually replaced by computers and word processors in the late 20th century.

See also: prototype, subtype, type, typeface, types, typesetting, typical, typify, typing, typist, typography.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,310, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.