letterpress

noun

let·​ter·​press ˈle-tər-ˌpres How to pronounce letterpress (audio)
1
: the process of printing from an inked raised surface especially when the paper is impressed directly upon the surface
2
chiefly British : text (as of a book) distinct from pictorial illustrations

Examples of letterpress in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Join this annual celebration of printmaking, book arts and letterpress printing. Brittany Delay, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2024 The fair features a wide range of activities, book artists, letterpress printers, live demonstrations and a marketplace with more than 40 vendors. Brittany Delay, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2024 Instead, on the front of the dream book, the title was spelled out in metal type that floated just above the cloth of the binding, as if set in an invisible letterpress chase. Caleb Crain, The New Yorker, 4 Dec. 2023 For those looking to get crafty, the Press Room’s 1938 Vandercook letterpress will be inked and ready to go for special screenings with limited edition greeting cards, private events and classes for those daring enough to learn the art of letterpress printing. Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 13 Oct. 2021 Morgan Calderini, the letterpress operator at the shop, says that the longevity of art is a powerful tool to send a message to the community from the survivors themselves. Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 17 June 2023 The installation of Abass’s large family journal detailing personal philosophy, customs and traditions — some in Yoruba — looks less out of place because of Abass’s non-obtrusive and aged letterpress cases. Yinka Elujoba, New York Times, 9 June 2023 The museum is also well-known for its workshops on papermaking, bookbinding, letterpress printing, and more. Brittanie Shey, Chron, 28 Mar. 2023 Its attached bar — dubbed The Press Room — will serve wine, craft cocktails, and local beers in an area that doubles as a printing museum with a functioning letterpress and more than 10,000 vintage movie ad plates from the 1930s through the 1980s on display. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 12 July 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'letterpress.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of letterpress was in 1707

Dictionary Entries Near letterpress

Cite this Entry

“Letterpress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/letterpress. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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