noun
xerox
ZEH-roks
Xerox (noun) means Informally, a photocopy, or the machine that makes one — from the brand name Xerox. Example: “Can you make a xerox of this contract before you mail it?”
noun
1
Informally, a photocopy, or the machine that makes one — from the brand name Xerox.
"Can you make a xerox of this contract before you mail it?"
verb
1
To photocopy a document.
"She xeroxed her passport for the visa application."
How to use xerox
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA brand name so common it became an everyday word for "photocopy" or "to photocopy."
Common mistake
Because Xerox is a trademark, formal writing should use "photocopy" instead.
Common pairings
xerox a document
make a xerox
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Word forms
- Plural
- xeroxes
- Third person singular
- xeroxes
- Past tense
- xeroxed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Can you make a _____ of this contract before you mail it?
Etymology
A genericized trademark from the Xerox Corporation, whose name comes from "xerography" (Greek xērós, "dry," + graphḗ, "writing") — a dry photocopying process.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “xerox” mean?
The word “xerox” means informally, a photocopy, or the machine that makes one — from the brand name Xerox. In plain terms, a brand name so common it became an everyday word for "photocopy" or "to photocopy.".
How do you pronounce “xerox”?
“Xerox” is pronounced ZEH-roks (/ˈziː(ə)ɹ.ɑks/ in IPA).
How do you use “xerox” in a sentence?
Here is “xerox” used in a sentence: “Can you make a xerox of this contract before you mail it?”
What part of speech is “xerox”?
Depending on how it is used, “xerox” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “xerox” come from?
The word “xerox” comes from Greek. A genericized trademark from the Xerox Corporation, whose name comes from "xerography" (Greek xērós, "dry," + graphḗ, "writing") — a dry photocopying process.
How many meanings does “xerox” have?
“Xerox” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: informally, a photocopy, or the machine that makes one — from the brand name Xerox.
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