press
prehs
Press (verb) means to push firmly against something, or push down on a button or surface. Example: “Press the button to start the machine.”
verb
1
To push firmly against something, or push down on a button or surface.
"Press the button to start the machine."
"She pressed her hand against the cold glass."
"He pressed the lid down firmly until it clicked shut."
2
To urge someone strongly to do or agree to something.
"The reporter pressed the minister for a direct answer."
"My friends pressed me to stay for dinner, so I rang home."
"The lawyer pressed the witness to explain why the story had changed."
noun
1
Newspapers and journalists collectively; the news media.
"The scandal drew widespread attention from the press."
"The press were waiting outside the stadium when the team arrived."
"Local press covered the opening of the new library."
2
A machine used to apply strong force, such as for printing or shaping material.
"The printing press revolutionized the spread of information."
"The factory uses a huge press to shape sheets of metal into car doors."
"We used an old wine press to squeeze the apples for juice."
How to use press
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo push on something firmly, to pressure someone, or (as a noun) the news media or a machine that applies force.
Common pairings
press a button
press for details
freedom of the press
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Word forms
- Plural
- presses
- Third person singular
- presses
- Past tense
- pressed, prest
- Archaic forms
- pressest, pressedst, presseth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ the button to start the machine.
Etymology
From Old French presser, "to press," from Latin pressare, based on premere, "to press."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for press
See all rhymes for press →Frequently asked questions
What does “press” mean?
The word “press” means to push firmly against something, or push down on a button or surface. In plain terms, to push on something firmly, to pressure someone, or (as a noun) the news media or a machine that applies force.
How do you pronounce “press”?
“Press” is pronounced prehs (/pɹɛs/ in IPA).
How do you use “press” in a sentence?
Here is “press” used in a sentence: “Press the button to start the machine.”
What part of speech is “press”?
Depending on how it is used, “press” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “press” come from?
The word “press” comes from Latin. From Old French presser, "to press," from Latin pressare, based on premere, "to press.".
Is “press” a common word?
“Press” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “press” have?
“Press” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to push firmly against something, or push down on a button or surface.
What is the difference between 'press' and 'push'?
Both involve applying force, but 'press' suggests firm, steady contact against a surface — pressing a button, pressing clothes flat. 'Push' suggests moving something away from you, often making it shift position — pushing a door open. You press to apply pressure in place; you push to make something move.
What is the difference between 'press' and 'squeeze'?
Pressing means pushing firmly against or down on something from one side, like pressing a key. Squeezing means applying pressure from two or more sides at once, pressing something inward — like squeezing a lemon or a hand. Squeeze compresses an object from around it; press pushes against its surface.
What is an example of pressing something?
You press a doorbell or a light switch to turn it on, press a key on a keyboard to type, and press the brake pedal to slow a car. You can also press clothes with an iron to flatten them. Each involves pushing firmly against a surface.
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