hard copy

noun

: a copy of textual or graphic information (as from microfilm or computer storage) produced on paper in normal size

Examples of hard copy in a Sentence

print a hard copy of the report

Recent Examples on the Web

Before leaving New York, Juliet and Avvie bought a hard copy Seoul guidebook and spent time highlighting neighborhoods, historic sites, restaurants, and K-Beauty destinations. — Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026

The alumni organization has been building a donor base of former students from decades of program rosters that had been kept in hard copy in Cal Poly’s athletic department. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 23 July 2026

The draft budget, once it’s approved by the board, is set to be available for public viewing on the county’s website, with hard copies available in the County Board Office and County Clerk’s Office. — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026

Take either of those hard copies to the vote center. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hard copy

• atopy
• choppy
• floppy
• poppy
• sloppy
• photocopy

Kids Definition

hard copy

noun

: a copy of information (as from computer storage) produced on paper in normal size

a hard copy of an email message