WordGarden.iotype
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /tˈaɪp/
US
- /ˈtaɪp/
Meanings
Noun
a kind or category of person or thing
printed letters or text, especially in a particular size or style
a category of data values in computing
Verb
to enter text or data using a keyboard
Beyond the definition
"Type" seems simple, but it's a very flexible word. We use it all the time to talk about different kinds of things. There are many types of dogs, for example, and each one has its own features. You might also describe someone as a certain kind of person, such as the quiet type or the adventurous type. In another common use, "type" can mean the style of letters you see in print or on a screen. As a verb, it means to write words with a keyboard. Think of it as a handy way to sort people, things, styles, or written text into clear groups.
The word "type" has several meanings, but they are all connected by the idea of grouping or form. Most commonly, it means a kind, sort, or category of something. You might ask, "What type of music do you like?" or say, "This is a rare type of butterfly." In this sense, the word helps us separate one group from another.
It is also often used for people. Someone might say, "He's the quiet type" or "She's not my usual type." Here, the word points to a set of qualities, habits, or traits that seem to go together.
"Type" also has an important meaning in printing, design, and computers. It can refer to printed letters or to the style of those letters. A typeface is the design used for text. Historically, "type" meant the small pieces of metal with raised letters that printers used to make pages.
As a verb, "type" means to write using a keyboard or typewriter. If you type a message, you enter words letter by letter. So whether you are talking about categories, kinds of people, letter styles, or writing on a keyboard, "type" is a word that appears in everyday English in many natural ways.
Examples
- 1
Music preference
What type of music do you usually listen to?
- 2
Product varieties
We sell three types of bread in the morning.
- 3
Character description
He's the type of teacher who remembers every student's name.
- Patternthe type of person who...
used to describe someone's usual character
- 4
Romantic preference
She's funny, but she's not really my type.
- Phrasemy type
the kind of person I usually like romantically
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Medical information
Do you know your blood type?
- 6
Typing error
I typed the address wrong and ended up at the other end of town.
- 7
Form entry
Please type your email address into the box below.
- Patterntype ... into ...
enter something with a keyboard
- 8
Printed text
The instructions were printed in such small type that I had to zoom in.
- Phrasesmall type
very small printed letters
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- typenounverb
Forms
- typespluralnounverb
- typing-ing formverbnoun
- typedpast tenseverbnoun