teleprinter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "teleprinter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a device that transmits typed messages over a distance, commonly used in telecommunications. Example: "The news agency relied on the teleprinter to receive updates from correspondents around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

See also teleprinter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1932 AT&T inaugurated the Teletypewriter Exchange Service (TWX), a switched teleprinter network.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1962 Western Union introduced Telex in the United States as an international teleprinter service, and in 1970 it acquired TWX from AT&T.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At that time all messages transmitted over AT&T's teleprinter system were encoded in the Baudot Code, a binary code in which a combination of marks and spaces represents a letter, number, or other symbol.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The greatest triumphs in the history of cryptanalysis were the Polish and British solution of the German Enigma ciphers and of two teleprinter ciphers, whose output was code-named Ultra, and the American cryptanalysis of the Japanese Red, Orange, and Purple ciphers, code-named Magic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Between World Wars I and II the printing telegraph, commonly known as the teleprinter or teletypewriter machine, came into civilian use and was incorporated in military wire-communication systems, but military networks were not extensive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

More recently, associating numbers with specific characters has proved necessary to allow automated telegraph printers (teleprinters) and then computers to represent text.

The Economist

For many years teleprinters used the five-bit Baudot Code and, in some cases, other specialized codes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Teleprinters utilizing the ASCII code could transmit messages at speeds up to 150 words per minute, compared to 75 words per minute for machines using the Baudot Code.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They were used by operators in local telegraph offices and switching centres, by press associations and other private networks, and by subscribers to international telegraphic message services such as telex Since the advent of low-cost, high-speed data transmission in the 1980s, teleprinters have steadily given way to computer terminals and facsimile (fax) machines.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1924 the Teletype Corporation introduced a series of teletypewriters which were so popular that the name Teletype became synonymous with teleprinters in the United States.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing historical communication systems, use "teleprinter" to refer specifically to electromechanical devices used before the widespread adoption of computer networks.

Common error

Avoid using "teleprinter" to describe modern computer terminals. While both are used for text-based communication, "teleprinter" refers to a specific type of electromechanical device, not digital displays or networked computers.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "teleprinter" is as a noun, referring to a specific type of electromechanical device. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in various contexts, confirming its role as a noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "teleprinter" is a grammatically correct noun referring to an electromechanical device used for sending and receiving typed messages. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across various contexts. It is most commonly found in encyclopedias, news media, and scientific publications, indicating a neutral to professional register. While alternatives such as "teletypewriter" and "telex machine" exist, "teleprinter" specifically identifies a technology largely replaced by modern digital communication systems. When writing, avoid using it to refer to modern computer terminals, as it denotes a specific historical device.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

teletype machine

This is a synonym referring to the same electromechanical device.

teletypewriter

Another synonym that emphasizes the typewriter-like function of the device.

telex machine

Refers to a teleprinter used in a telex network, indicating a specific application.

tty device

This is a more technical abbreviation, often used in computing contexts.

printing telegraph

A broader term that encompasses earlier versions of the technology.

message terminal

Describes the device's function as a terminal for sending and receiving messages.

data transceiver

Highlights the device's ability to both transmit and receive data.

communications printer

Emphasizes the printing aspect within a communications system.

Baudot terminal

Specifically refers to a teleprinter using the Baudot code.

wire service machine

This indicates its use in news agencies for distributing news.

FAQs

How is a "teleprinter" different from a modern computer terminal?

A "teleprinter" is an electromechanical device that prints messages directly onto paper, while a modern computer terminal uses a digital display. Teleprinters were common before the advent of widespread computer networking.

What was the main use of a "teleprinter"?

Teleprinters were primarily used for sending and receiving typed messages over telegraph lines or telephone systems, often in news agencies, government offices, and military communications.

What can I say instead of "teleprinter"?

Depending on the context, you might use "teletypewriter", "teletype machine", or "telex machine", although these terms are also becoming historical.

What code was commonly used with "teleprinters"?

Many "teleprinters" used the Baudot code, a five-bit character encoding scheme, although later models adopted ASCII for higher speeds and greater compatibility.