noun

lithography

lih-THOG-ruh-fee

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Lithography (noun) means a printing method in which an image is drawn on a flat surface with a water-repellent material, then transferred to paper using water and ink. Example: “The poster was produced by lithography rather than by engraving.”

noun

A printing method in which an image is drawn on a flat surface with a water-repellent material, then transferred to paper using water and ink.

"The poster was produced by lithography rather than by engraving."

"Early lithography used a slab of limestone as the printing surface."

"The art school offers a course in traditional lithography."

How to use lithography

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA way of printing pictures from a flat, treated surface using grease, water and ink.

When to use it

It is a technical term from printing and art, used in both craft and industrial settings.

Memory tip

The word is uncountable in most uses, though the plural lithographies exists.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

stone lithography offset lithography colour lithography a lithography studio

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “lithography” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The poster was produced by _____ rather than by engraving.

Etymology

The word came into English from German Lithographie, which was built from the Greek words lithos, meaning stone, and graphein, meaning to write. It refers to the original printing surface, a flat piece of limestone, though a metal plate is now generally used instead.

Origin: German

Rhymes for lithography

geography biography demography tomography topography iconography photography pornography calligraphy bibliography oceanography choreography

See all rhymes for lithography →

Frequently asked questions

What is lithography?

Lithography is a way of printing an image that has been drawn with a water-repellent material onto a flat surface. Water and ink are applied to the surface, and the image is then pressed onto another material.

Why is it called lithography?

The name comes from Greek words meaning stone and to write, because the printing surface was originally a flat piece of limestone.

Is photolithography a type of lithography?

Yes, photolithography is a kind of lithography, as is offset printing.

What is the meaning of lithography?

"lithography" (noun) means a printing method in which an image is drawn on a flat surface with a water-repellent material, then transferred to paper using water and ink.