side bearing

noun

: the space provided at each side of a typeset letter to prevent its touching adjoining letters

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1894, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of side bearing was circa 1894

Rhymes for side bearing

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Browse Nearby Words

side-beam engine
side bearing
side bench
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Cite this Entry

“Side bearing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/side%20bearing. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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