proofread

verb

proof·​read ˈprüf-ˌrēd How to pronounce proofread (audio)
proofread ˈprüf-ˌred How to pronounce proofread (audio) ; proofreading

transitive verb

: to read and mark corrections in (something, such as a proof)

Examples of proofread in a Sentence

He proofread the essay carefully.
Recent Examples on the Web Script coordinators, sometimes considered a step up from writer’s assistants, are tasked with knowing a TV show’s script from front to back, proofreading it, flagging changes and sending it out to the cast and crew. Jennifer Swann, Los Angeles Times, 22 Sep. 2023 The University of San Diego student is working at C-SPAN this summer, writing and proofreading show descriptions and learning more about programming. Joe Heim, Washington Post, 25 June 2023 Resist the temptation to ask your partner to proofread that work email tonight, Cap, and connect with them on something other than what happened at the office. Aliza Kelly Faragher, Allure, 31 July 2020 Ballots to proofread and mail out. Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2022 Most viruses that use RNA as their genetic material, including HIV and the hepatitis C virus (HCV), are also highly prone to mutation because the RNA polymerase that replicates their genome doesn’t proofread the copies as effectively as DNA polymerases do. Quanta Magazine, 11 Jan. 2022 Mistakes can be deadly, so cells have error-correction systems that proofread and edit in real time. Anna Funk, Discover Magazine, 2 Apr. 2021 Gathering around a computer screen, the editors, the reporters, and the tech guy proofread the final copy-ready version of the Weinstein exposé. Thomas Doherty, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2022 The more people who can proofread his connectomes, the faster his maps will grow. Carl Zimmer, Discover Magazine, 19 Mar. 2012 See More

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

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from proofreader

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of proofread was in 1845

Dictionary Entries Near proofread

Cite this Entry

“Proofread.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proofread. Accessed 10 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

proofread

verb
proof·​read ˈprü-ˌfrēd How to pronounce proofread (audio)
proofread -ˌfred How to pronounce proofread (audio) ; proofreading
: to read over and fix mistakes in
proofreader noun

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