Definition
A mechanical or electric writing machine with individual keys that, when pressed, cause metal type-faces or ribbons to strike paper, leaving characters. It was the standard tool for producing typed documents from the 1870s until computers and word processors became widespread.
Example Usage
The old typewriter in the closet still works perfectly, and some writers prefer using it because it has no distractions.
Origin
The practical typewriter was patented by Christopher Latham Sholes in 1868; the QWERTY keyboard layout was designed to prevent mechanical jams on early machines.
Fun Fact
Typewriters experienced a small cultural revival among writers and nostalgic users in the 2000s, viewed as charming, distraction-free writing tools.
Related Terms
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