First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1type
noun, often attributive \ˈtīp\
: a particular kind or group of things or people
: a particular kind of person
: printed letters
Full Definition of TYPE
1
a : a person or thing (as in the Old Testament) believed to foreshadow another (as in the New Testament) b : one having qualities of a higher category : model c : a lower taxonomic category selected as a standard of reference for a higher category; also : a specimen or series of specimens on which a taxonomic species or subspecies is actually based
2
: a distinctive mark or sign
3
a (1) : a rectangular block usually of metal bearing a relief character from which an inked print can be made (2) : a collection of such blocks <a font of type> (3) : alphanumeric characters for printing <the type for this book has been photoset> b : typeface <italic type> c : printed letters d : matter set in type
4
a : qualities common to a number of individuals that distinguish them as an identifiable class: as (1) : the morphological, physiological, or ecological characters by which relationship between organisms may be recognized (2) : the form common to all instances of a linguistic element b : a typical and often superior specimen c : a member of an indicated class or variety of people <the guests were mostly urban types — Lucy Cook> d : a particular kind, class, or group <oranges of the seedless type> <leaders of the new type…did England yeoman's service — G. M. Trevelyan> e : something distinguishable as a variety : sort <what type of food do you like?>
See type defined for English-language learners
See type defined for kids
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Origin of TYPE
Middle English, from Late Latin typus, from Latin & Greek; Latin typus image, from Greek typos blow, impression, model, from typtein to strike, beat; akin to Sanskrit tupati he injures and probably to Latin stupēre to be benumbed
Related to TYPE
Synonym Discussion of TYPE
type, kind, sort, nature, description, character mean a number of individuals thought of as a group because of a common quality or qualities. type may suggest strong and clearly marked similarity throughout the items included so that each is typical of the group <one of three basic body types>. kind may suggest natural grouping <a zoo seemingly having animals of every kind>. sort often suggests some disparagement <the sort of newspaper dealing in sensational stories>. nature may imply inherent, essential resemblance rather than obvious or superficial likenesses <two problems of a similar nature>. description implies a group marked by agreement in all details belonging to a type as described or defined <not all acts of that description are actually illegal>. character implies a group marked by distinctive likenesses peculiar to the type <research on the subject so far has been of an elementary character>.
Other Printing Terms
2type
verb
: to write with a computer keyboard or typewriter
: to find out what group something is in
typedtyp·ing
Full Definition of TYPE
transitive verb
1
: to represent beforehand as a type : prefigure
2
a : to produce a copy of b : to represent in terms of typical characteristics : typify
3
: to produce (as a character or document) using a keyboard (as on a typewriter or computer); also : keyboard
4
: to identify as belonging to a type: as a : to determine the natural type of (as a blood sample) b : typecast
intransitive verb
: to write something on a typewriter or enter data into a computer by way of a keyboard
— type·able \ˈtī-pə-bəl\ adjective
See type defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of TYPE
1596
Related to TYPE
- Synonyms
- assort, break down, categorize, class, codify, compartment, compartmentalize, digest, distinguish, distribute, grade, group, peg, place, range, rank, relegate, separate, sort, classify
TYPE Defined for Kids
1type
noun \ˈtīp\
Definition of TYPE for Kids
1
: a particular kind or group of things or people : variety <a seedless type of orange> <He likes all types of books.>
2
: a set of letters or figures that are used for printing or the letters or figures printed by them
3
: the special qualities or characteristics by which members of a group are set apart from other groups <plants grouped by type>
2type
verb
typedtyp·ing
Definition of TYPE for Kids
1
: to write with a keyboard (as on computer or typewriter)
2
: to identify as belonging to a certain group
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