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
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.
That trend is confirmed by Cole, who says the shift began around 2012, when instead of being printed as hard copies, reports started being disseminated as PDFs. Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026 Records can come in different formats, from hard copies to spreadsheets and videos. Katie Moore, Kansas City Star, 12 Mar. 2026 There also will be an e-book and an audio book for each, but many parents still love picking up the hard copy to place notes in the margin or use her checklists. Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 20 Jan. 2026 Such is the secrecy behind Sam Mendes’ upcoming four-part biopic about the Beatles that the actors aren’t allowed to take hard copies of the scripts beyond the set. Alex Ritman, Variety, 15 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hard copy

Word History

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hard copy was in 1954

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Cite this Entry

“Hard copy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hard%20copy. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.

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
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