hectograph

noun

hec·to·graph ˈhek-tə-ˌgraf

: a machine for making copies of a writing or drawing produced on a gelatin surface

hectograph transitive verb

Word History

Etymology

German Hektograph, from hekto- hect- + -graph -graph

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of hectograph was in 1880

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

hectogram

hectograph

hectoliter

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Hectograph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hectograph. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

truculent

Listen to the pronunciation of truculent

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What’s the difference between ‘cemetery’ and ‘graveyard’?

Popular in Wordplay

Skibidi, Mog & More: Gen Alpha Slang

13 Wonderful Words That You're Not Using (Yet)

Ten More Words from Taylor Swift Songs

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Skibidi, Mog & More: Gen Alpha Slang

13 Wonderful Words That You're Not Using (Yet)