lithography

noun

li·​thog·​ra·​phy li-ˈthä-grə-fē 

1

: the process of printing from a plane surface (such as a smooth stone or metal plate) on which the image to be printed is ink-receptive and the blank area ink-repellent

2

: the process of producing patterns on semiconductor crystals for use as integrated circuits

Examples of lithography in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

China has long tried to make a lithography machine that could be competitive with non-Chinese offerings, as part of a broader effort to build its own semiconductor industry. — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026

Instead, the country’s lithography ecosystem is expected to involve multiple specialized companies contributing different technologies under a coordinated national effort. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 July 2026

Josephson junctions are traditionally fabricated with electron-beam lithography and an evaporation lift-off technique that uses organic photoresist stencils. — Paul Smith-Goodson, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Some less advanced deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography machines are bought and sold in China, however — and there’s big numbers involved. — Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 17 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

litho- + -graphy, after French lithographie or German Lithographie (now Lithografie)

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lithography

• arthrography
• biography
• cartography
• cosmography
• cryptography
• demography
• discography
• echography
• ethnography
• filmography
• geography
• hydrography

Kids Definition

lithography

noun

li·​thog·​ra·​phy lith-ˈäg-rə-fē 

: a method of printing from a flat surface (as a smooth stone or metal plate) that has been prepared in such a way that only the areas meant to print will take ink