hard copy

noun

: a copy of textual or graphic information (as from microfilm or computer storage) produced on paper in normal size

Examples of hard copy in a Sentence

print a hard copy of the report
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In Tennessee, for instance, while applicants will receive an interim paper document immediately, the hard copy arrives by mail 10 to 20 days later. Eve Chen, USA Today, 8 May 2025 Users can order prints of photos, for example, and hard copies of photo albums. David Prosser, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025 The present facility’s artifacts and millions of document hard copies will be sent to a permanent site in College Park, Maryland, and occasionally lent to the Obama Presidential Center. Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025 The ease-of-use feature gives email a distinct advantage over hard copy. Jerry Weissman, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hard copy

Word History

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hard copy was in 1954

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Cite this Entry

“Hard copy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hard%20copy. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

hard copy

noun
: a copy of information (as from computer storage) produced on paper in normal size
a hard copy of an email message
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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