typewriter

noun

type·​writ·​er ˈtīp-ˌrī-tər How to pronounce typewriter (audio)
1
: a machine for writing in characters similar to those produced by printer's type by means of keyboard-operated types striking a ribbon to transfer ink or carbon impressions onto the paper
2
: typist

Examples of typewriter 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.
Instead, the guy talks to dead barkeeps and wields an ax more than his typewriter. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 1 July 2026 Further questioning connected him as owner of the typewriter on which a ransom letter was typed. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2026 By then, standard-issue electric typewriters and six-ply carbon paper had been replaced by far less visually interesting computers. — Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026 Three years from formation to unicorn, on a product that automates 1065 tax returns and other workflows accountants have done by hand since the typewriter era. — Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for typewriter

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of typewriter was in 1868

Rhymes for typewriter

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Typewriter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/typewriter. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

typewriter

noun
type·​writ·​er ˈtī-ˌprīt-ər How to pronounce typewriter (audio)
: a machine that prints letters or figures when a person pushes its keys down

More from Merriam-Webster on typewriter

Nglish: Translation of typewriter for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about typewriter

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