noun
kern
kurn
Kern (noun) means Typography: the part of a printed letter that overhangs its own slot, or the adjustment of spacing between specific letter pairs. Example: “The designer tightened the kern between the "A" and "V" in the logo.”
noun
1
Typography: the part of a printed letter that overhangs its own slot, or the adjustment of spacing between specific letter pairs.
"The designer tightened the kern between the "A" and "V" in the logo."
verb
1
To adjust the spacing between particular pairs of letters so text looks evenly balanced.
"The software automatically kerns headline text for a tighter look."
"She kerned the title by hand until it looked right."
How to use kern
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA typesetting term for fine-tuning the gaps between individual letters.
When to use it
Mostly used in graphic design, typesetting, and font software rather than everyday speech.
Common pairings
kern the type
letter kerning
kerning pair
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Word forms
- Plural
- kerns
- Third person singular
- kerns
- Past tense
- kerned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The designer tightened the _____ between the "A" and "V" in the logo.
Etymology
From Middle English corn/curn ("grain, kernel"), related to the word "kernel" — the typographic sense developed later from the idea of a small overhanging piece.
Rhymes for kern
See all rhymes for kern →Frequently asked questions
What does “kern” mean?
The word “kern” means typography: the part of a printed letter that overhangs its own slot, or the adjustment of spacing between specific letter pairs. In plain terms, a typesetting term for fine-tuning the gaps between individual letters.
How do you pronounce “kern”?
“Kern” is pronounced kurn (/kɝn/ in IPA).
How do you use “kern” in a sentence?
Here is “kern” used in a sentence: “The designer tightened the kern between the "A" and "V" in the logo.”
What part of speech is “kern”?
Depending on how it is used, “kern” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “kern” come from?
The word “kern” comes from Middle English. From Middle English corn/curn ("grain, kernel"), related to the word "kernel" — the typographic sense developed later from the idea of a small overhanging piece.
How many meanings does “kern” have?
“Kern” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: typography: the part of a printed letter that overhangs its own slot, or the adjustment of spacing between specific letter pairs.
