inkjet
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈɪŋkdʒˌɛt/
US
- /ˈɪŋkˌdʒɛt/
Description
- Uses tiny ink drops
- Type of printer
- Digital printing method
- Good for color photos
An inkjet printer is a printer that puts tiny drops of liquid ink onto paper to make words and pictures. It works with very small nozzles that spray the ink in a careful pattern, building the image line by line. Because it uses liquid ink, it is often a good choice for color printing and photos.
You will often see inkjet used as both a noun and an adjective. People talk about an inkjet printer, inkjet ink, or inkjet paper. Compared with a laser printer, an inkjet usually gives richer color, though it can be slower and may need new cartridges more often.
Inkjet refers to a type of printing technology that creates text and images by spraying very small drops of liquid ink onto paper or another surface. The word is most often used in everyday English in phrases such as inkjet printer, inkjet ink, and inkjet paper. In simple terms, it describes a printer or printing system that uses liquid ink rather than toner.
The process is quite precise. A print head moves across the page and places droplets in exact positions based on the digital file. Most home and office models use cartridges filled with colored inks, usually black plus cyan, magenta, and yellow. This is why inkjet printers are especially common for color documents, school work, flyers, and photos.
Inkjet printers are popular because they are often affordable to buy and can produce smooth color images with fine detail. On the other hand, they may print more slowly than laser printers, and the ink cartridges can run out fairly quickly if you print a lot. Some systems also work on surfaces other than standard paper, but the main idea stays the same: tiny drops of ink are placed exactly where they are needed.
So, if someone describes a printer as inkjet, they mean it prints by spraying liquid ink in tiny drops. In many contexts, the word suggests good color output and photo-friendly printing, especially for home or small-office use.
Examples
- 1
Home printing
We bought an inkjet printer for printing homework and photos at home.
Phrase
inkjet printer
a printer that puts tiny drops of ink onto paper
- 2
Photo paper
This photo paper works best with inkjet printers.
- 3
Cost comparison
If you only print a few pages a week, an inkjet is usually cheaper than a laser printer.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- inkjet