sans serif

noun

sans ser·​if san-ˈser-əf How to pronounce sans serif (audio)
sanz-
variants or sanserif
: a letter or typeface with no serifs

Illustration of sans serif

Illustration of sans serif

Examples of sans serif in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Will my boss prefer serif or sans serif headings in this pitch deck? — Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026 Other homes around it got fresh paint, sans serif house numbers and were flipped for a $1 million and more. — Petula Dvorak, Washington Post, 2 Feb. 2023 In the world of typography, there are two main categories – serif and sans serif. — Mythili Devarakonda, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2023 These effects are messy, far from gleaming shopping malls, glassy office blocks, and slick websites rendered in clean sans serifs. — Literary Hub, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for sans serif

Word History

Etymology

probably from sans + modification of Dutch schreef stroke — more at serif

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sans serif was in 1830

Rhymes for sans serif

See All Rhymes for sans serif

Browse Nearby Words

sans peur et sans reproche
sans serif
sans souci
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sans serif.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sans%20serif. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sans serif

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sans serif

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