noun

TTY

tee-tee-WY

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TTY (noun) means a text terminal on a computer, especially the terminal device or console session that a Unix or Linux system uses for keyboard input and text output. Example: “Run 'tty' and it will print the name of the terminal you are currently using, such as /dev/pts/0.”

noun

technical A text terminal on a computer, especially the terminal device or console session that a Unix or Linux system uses for keyboard input and text output.

"Run 'tty' and it will print the name of the terminal you are currently using, such as /dev/pts/0."

"The script fails when there is no TTY attached, so it cannot prompt for a password."

A device that lets a person who is deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired send and receive typed messages over a telephone line.

"The helpline lists a separate TTY number for deaf callers."

How to use TTY

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe text screen and keyboard a computer talks to you through.

When to use it

Technical jargon in computing; in accessibility contexts it is standard, official vocabulary.

Memory tip

On Linux, press Ctrl+Alt+F3 to switch to a bare TTY and Ctrl+Alt+F2 or F1 to come back to the desktop.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

PTY terminal emulator TDD

Common pairings

TTY device allocate a TTY no TTY present TTY relay service

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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 “TTY” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Run '_____' and it will print the name of the terminal you are currently using, such as /dev/pts/0.

Etymology

An abbreviation of teletypewriter, the early printing terminal that connected to a computer or telephone line.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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terminal console shell session textphone TDD minicom

Related words

last early final station dying cabinet comfort terminal

Frequently asked questions

What does TTY stand for?

It stands for teletypewriter. The original machines were electromechanical typewriters that sent and received text down a wire, and the name stuck for the software terminals that replaced them.

What is the difference between TTY and PTY?

A TTY is the general idea of a terminal device, historically a real piece of hardware. A PTY, or pseudo-terminal, is a software emulation of one, which is what you are using whenever you open a terminal window or connect over SSH.

Why do scripts complain about 'no TTY'?

Some commands need an interactive terminal, for example to hide a password as you type it. When they run from a cron job, a pipeline or a container without a terminal attached, there is no TTY and the command refuses or fails.

What is the meaning of TTY?

"TTY" (noun) means a text terminal on a computer, especially the terminal device or console session that a Unix or Linux system uses for keyboard input and text output.

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