What Does Word Processing Mean?
Word processing is the process of creating and editing documents on a computer. It allows a user to create documents that mimic the format and style of a typical typewriter. It requires a computer and word processing software. A printer may also be used to create a physical copy of the document.
Techopedia Explains Word Processing
Word processing is one of the earliest and most commonly used types of computer software. In fact, word processing software is often cited as a major factor in the launch the personal computer industry. This software did such a great job of automating processes that had previously been performed by a dedicated machine (in this case a typewriter) that this type of software helped bring personal computers into the households of regular people, rather than just businesses.
Even today, word processors reflect their history as digital typewriters. They display a sheet of paper on the screen, which captures user input from the keyboard. The user can select different font styles, sizes, colors and many different customizations. And, unlike manual word processing, the digital variety is is much faster and more flexible.
: the production of typewritten documents (such as business letters) with automated and usually computerized typing and text-editing equipment
Example Sentences
These terminals are used mostly for word processing.
Recent Examples on the Web
Instead, Apache’s OpenOffice is a downloadable, offline suite of productivity tools for word processing, creating spreadsheets and presentations, and more.
—
Marc Saltzman, USA TODAY, 26 Jan. 2023
Additionally, the Lisa shipped with a suite of applications, including word processing and charts, which discouraged third-party developers from writing software for it.
—IEEE Spectrum, 19 Jan. 2023
One participant used a word processing app to write for example.
—Roni Dengler, Discover Magazine, 21 Nov. 2018
This latter category might include, for example, files created with outdated versions of word processing programs.
—Discover Magazine, 27 May 2011
Also, workers with intermediate skills—including understanding of cloud concepts and ability to use tools like drag-and-drop websites—earned 40% more than individuals with basic digital skills, like email and word processing.
—Heather Landy, Quartz, 21 Dec. 2022
This is a decent entry-level desktop for those who don’t need much storage space and just want something to do word processing, surf the web, and stream video.
—Karl Klockars, PCMAG, 4 Nov. 2022
Enlarge / Project Blink can edit video using text search and word processing techniques.
—Benj Edwards, Ars Technica, 20 Oct. 2022
The decision permitted upper and lower letters and special symbols to be stored in one byte, allowing for word processing and numerical calculations to be performed on the same computer.
—Bob Tita, WSJ, 25 Nov. 2022
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word ‘word processing.’ Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1967, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of word processing was
in 1967
Dictionary Entries Near word processing
Cite this Entry
“Word processing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/word%20processing. Accessed 14 Apr. 2023.
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PRONUNCIATION OF WORD PROCESSING
GRAMMATICAL CATEGORY OF WORD PROCESSING
Word processing is a noun.
A noun is a type of word the meaning of which determines reality. Nouns provide the names for all things: people, objects, sensations, feelings, etc.
WHAT DOES WORD PROCESSING MEAN IN ENGLISH?
Word processor
A word processor is an electronic device or computer software application that, as directed by the user, performs word processing: the composition, editing, formatting and sometimes printing of any sort of written material. Word processing can also refer to advanced shorthand techniques, sometimes used in specialized contexts with a specially modified typewriter. The term was coined at IBM’s Böblingen, West Germany Laboratory in the 1960s. Typical features of a word processor include font application, spell checking, grammar checking, a built-in thesaurus, automatic text correction, Web integration and HTML exporting, among others. In its simplest form, a word processor is little more than a large expensive typewriter that makes correcting mistakes easy. The word processor emerged as a stand-alone office machine in the 1970s and 1980s, combining the keyboard text-entry and printing functions of an electric typewriter with a dedicated computer processor for the editing of text.
Definition of word processing in the English dictionary
The definition of word processing in the dictionary is the composition of documents using a computer system to input, edit, store, and print them.
Synonyms and antonyms of word processing in the English dictionary of synonyms
Translation of «word processing» into 25 languages
TRANSLATION OF WORD PROCESSING
Find out the translation of word processing to 25 languages with our English multilingual translator.
The translations of word processing from English to other languages presented in this section have been obtained through automatic statistical translation; where the essential translation unit is the word «word processing» in English.
Translator English — Chinese
文字处理
1,325 millions of speakers
Translator English — Spanish
procesamiento & de textos
570 millions of speakers
Translator English — Hindi
शब्द संसाधन
380 millions of speakers
Translator English — Arabic
معالجة النصوص
280 millions of speakers
Translator English — Russian
обработка текстов
278 millions of speakers
Translator English — Portuguese
processamento de textos
270 millions of speakers
Translator English — Bengali
শব্দ প্রক্রিয়াকরণ
260 millions of speakers
Translator English — French
traitement de texte
220 millions of speakers
Translator English — Malay
pemprosesan perkataan
190 millions of speakers
Translator English — Japanese
ワードプロセッシング
130 millions of speakers
Translator English — Korean
워드 프로세싱
85 millions of speakers
Translator English — Javanese
Tembung Processing
85 millions of speakers
Translator English — Vietnamese
xử lý văn bản
80 millions of speakers
Translator English — Tamil
சொல் செயலாக்க
75 millions of speakers
Translator English — Marathi
वर्ड प्रोसेसिंग
75 millions of speakers
Translator English — Turkish
Kelime işlem
70 millions of speakers
Translator English — Polish
edytor tekstu
50 millions of speakers
Translator English — Ukrainian
обробка текстів
40 millions of speakers
Translator English — Romanian
procesare de text
30 millions of speakers
Translator English — Greek
επεξεργασία κειμένου
15 millions of speakers
Translator English — Afrikaans
woordverwerking
14 millions of speakers
Translator English — Swedish
ordbehandling
10 millions of speakers
Translator English — Norwegian
tekstbehandling
5 millions of speakers
Trends of use of word processing
TENDENCIES OF USE OF THE TERM «WORD PROCESSING»
The term «word processing» is quite widely used and occupies the 36.338 position in our list of most widely used terms in the English dictionary.
FREQUENCY
Quite widely used
The map shown above gives the frequency of use of the term «word processing» in the different countries.
Principal search tendencies and common uses of word processing
List of principal searches undertaken by users to access our English online dictionary and most widely used expressions with the word «word processing».
FREQUENCY OF USE OF THE TERM «WORD PROCESSING» OVER TIME
The graph expresses the annual evolution of the frequency of use of the word «word processing» during the past 500 years. Its implementation is based on analysing how often the term «word processing» appears in digitalised printed sources in English between the year 1500 and the present day.
Examples of use in the English literature, quotes and news about word processing
10 ENGLISH BOOKS RELATING TO «WORD PROCESSING»
Discover the use of word processing in the following bibliographical selection. Books relating to word processing and brief extracts from same to provide context of its use in English literature.
1
Keyboarding & Word Processing, Complete Course, Lessons 1-120
This comprehensive text provides three semesters of keyboarding and word processing instruction.
Susie VanHuss, Connie Forde, Donna Woo, 2008
2
Advanced Word Processing, Lessons 56-110: Microsoft Word 2010
Based on customer feedback, this semester-based text includes 55 lessons in a one-book solution that includes both documents and software instructions within a space-saving easel-back format.
Susie VanHuss, Connie Forde, Donna Woo, 2010
3
Word Processing in Groups
This study in combinatorial group theory introduces the concept of automatic groups.
David B. A. Epstein, James W. Cannon, 1992
4
College Keyboarding: Advanced Word Processing, Lessons 56-120
Based on customer feedback, this semester-based text includes 55 lessons in a one-book solution that includes both documents and software instructions within a space-saving easel-back format.
5
Keyboarding and Word Processing, Complete Course, Lessons …
This comprehensive text combines all of the lessons and learning tools you will need for your course within a space-saving easel-back format.
Susie VanHuss, Connie Forde, Donna Woo, 2010
6
Keyboarding and Word Processing Essentials, Lessons 1-55: …
Based on customer feedback, this semester-based text includes 55 lessons in a one-book solution that includes both documents and instructions for using keyboarding software (sold separately) within a space-saving easel-back format.
Susie VanHuss, Connie Forde, Donna Woo, 2010
7
Advanced Word Processing: Lessons 61-120, Microsoft Word 2007
Advance yourself to the expert level of word processing with College Keyboarding 17E: Advanced Word Processing, Lessons 61-120. This text helps you focus on document mastery and advanced word-processing functions with Microsoft Word 2007.
8
Electric Language: A Philosophical Study of Word Processing
In this book Michael Heim provides the first consistent philosophical basis for critically evaluating the impact of word processing on our use of and ideas about language.
9
Keyboarding and Word Processing, Lessons 1-60
Combining keyboarding lessons and skillbuilding with basic formatting skill using Word 2003, this text will develop speed and accuracy while teaching the basics of document and word processing.
Susie H. VanHuss, Connie M. Forde, Donna L. Woo, 2004
10
Spotlight On: Word Processing
These flexible books that you can mix and match to suit your specific classroom needs, introduce a concept, provide practice using the application, and then allow students to use the applications in a cross-curricular scenario.
10 NEWS ITEMS WHICH INCLUDE THE TERM «WORD PROCESSING»
Find out what the national and international press are talking about and how the term word processing is used in the context of the following news items.
Quip, The Mobile-First Word Processing App, Adds A Desktop Version
It’s a somewhat ironic turn, given that when he was first launching Quip, Taylor mocked legacy word processing programs, noting that “It’s comical how similar … «TechCrunch, Jul 15»
Reading Skill Development Can Continue to Middle School
Automatic word processing is the brain’s ability to determine whether a group of symbols constitutes a word within milliseconds, without the brain’s owner … «PsychCentral.com, Jul 14»
Ten things everyone should know how to do with a word processor
Admit it: You don’t use half the tools in your word processing app—whether it’s Microsoft Word, Apple’s own Pages, or Google Docs—maybe even less than half. «Macworld, Jul 14»
Word Processing Moves Beyond the Virtual Typewriter
The key thing about new ‘productivity’ apps like Office for the iPad and Quip is that they move beyond the original idea of word processing, which simply created … «Wall Street Journal, Mar 14»
Quip, Ex-FB CTO Bret Taylor’s Word Processing App, Gets A Like …
When Bret Taylor, the ex-CTO of Facebook, co-founded mobile-first word processing app Quip with ex-Googler Kevin Gibbs, the move appeared to be a world … «TechCrunch, Mar 14»
Quip, The Mobile-First Word Processing App, Now Imports From …
Quip, a new word processing app with an impressive pedigree (co-created by ex-Facebook CTO Bret Taylor and the father of Google Apps Engine, Kevin Gibbs) … «TechCrunch, Nov 13»
Quip Launches And Promises To Reinvent Word Processing In The …
While Google Docs has shown it’s possible to do word processing online, the Web giant hasn’t broken free of print metaphors. «One of the interesting things is … «Business Insider, Jul 13»
5 free open source alternatives to Microsoft Office
While Microsoft Office is the industry standard in terms of , integrated applications for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, database management, … «PCWorld, Sep 12»
The Imminent Word Processing Bloodbath
Google Docs promoters are going around the country urging municipalities and other large scale users to adopt the system. Some have done so—enough to … «PC Magazine, Jan 12»
The Muses of Insert, Delete and Execute
The literary history of word processing is far murkier, but that isn’t stopping Matthew G. Kirschenbaum, an associate professor of English at the University of … «New York Times, Dec 11»
REFERENCE
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Meaning word processing
What does word processing mean? Here you find 10 meanings of the word word processing. You can also add a definition of word processing yourself
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1 Relationships Related Term: text processing n. ~ The process of creating, formatting, and editing documents with the assistance of computers. Notes: Modern word processing applications have sophis [..]
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1 word processingThe use of a computer system to manipulate text. Note: Examples of word processing functions include entering, editing, rearranging, sorting, storing, retrieving, displaying, and printing text. Synonym text processing.
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1 word processingWord processing is the phrase used to describe using a computer to create, edit, and print documents. Of all computer applications, word processing is the most common. To perform word processing, you [..]
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1 word processingA method of converting information into readable text in which personnel, procedures, and equipment are organized for maximum efficiency and effectiveness. Word processing systems usually include a mi [..]
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0 word processingEntering, editing and formatting text with the use of spelling checkers, outlining, tables, footnotes, and tables of contents.
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0 word processingWord processing refers to the process of using a computer to create, edit, format and print documents. To perform word processing, a special program called a word processor is required, which enables [..]
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0 word processingText editing and storage functions using Computer Software.
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0 word processingText editing and storage functions using computer software.
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0 word processingWord processing is the process of creating and editing documents on a computer. It allows a user to create documents that mimic the format and style of a typical typewriter. It requires a computer and [..]
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1 word processingUsing a computer to accept, edit, organize, and print out text.
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Word Processing
Topic: Word Processing
Class: SSS Two
Definition of Terms
Word Processing: Word processing means using the computer to create, edit, and print document.
Word processor: A word processor is an electronic device or computer software application, which performs the task of composition, editing, formatting, and printing of documents.
Text Document: Text document is something written, printed, or online document that presents data in the form of an articles, letter, memorandum, report, etc.
Examples of Word Processors
There are many word processing software packages available today, such as WordStar, MS-word, Corel WordPerfect, WordPad, Notepad, WPS writer, etc
Application Areas of Word processing Software
i. Offices
ii. Publishing
iii. Journalism
iv. Education
v. Articles
Steps Involved in Loading Microsoft Word
There are two ways of loading Microsoft word:
a. If the icon of the package is on desktop, double click on it for it to open
b. If the icon is not on the desktop, follow the step below:
i. Click the Start Button
ii. Click on all program
iii. Select and click Microsoft office
iv. Select and click Microsoft Word
MS-Word Processing Environment
The word window is made up of many components that are displayed onscreen at the start of the program such as:
a. Title bar: The title bar is the top part of the window displaying MS Word. It displays the name of the active document.
b. Menu bar: The menu bar contains commands for word operation. E.g Home, Insert, view, insert, page layout, etc
c. Status bar: bottom of the window it displays the status of the document
d. Toolbar: Toolbar serves as short cuts for common commands such as save, print, new, open, undo, etc.
e. Work space: it is the area where actual word processing is done.
f. Formatting toolbar: This toolbar contains shortcut to the commands used for formatting text. You can change your word or line paragraph to bold, italic or underline,
Facilities Available in a Word Processor
a. Type document: the Keyboard is used to type a document. You type a document by pressing the relevant keys on the keyboard in order to arrive at the desired word.
b. Edit document: This is the ability to change text by adding, deleting and rearranging letters, words, sentences and paragraph.
c. Store document: Word processor gives the opportunity of accessing a previously saved file or document either on the computer or on external storage facility.
d. Move, copy and paste: A word, line or text, paragraph, page or diagram can be moved from one document to another. It could be also be within a document that for one line to the other. It can also be from one application packages to the other, e.g., from CorelDraw to Microsoft Word.
Features of a Word Processor
Word processor varies considerably, but all word processors support the following basic features:
Insert text: Allows you to insert text anywhere in the document
Delete text: Allows you to erase characters, words, lines, or passages.
Cut and paste: Allows you to remove a section of text from one place in a document and insert it somewhere else
Copy: Allows you to duplicate a section of text
Page size and Margins: allows you to define various page size and margins.
Search and replace: Allows you to search for a particular word or phrase and also replace one group of characters with another everywhere that first group appears.
Word wrap: The word processor automatically moves to the next line when you have filled one line with text.
Headers, footers, and page numbering: Allows you to specify customized headers and footers the word process will display at the top and bottom of every page
Font Specification: Allows you to change font attributes within a document.
Spell Checker: A utility that allows you to check the spelling of words. It will highlight any word that it does not recognize
Thesaurus: Allows you to search for synonyms without leaving the word processor
WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get): With WYSIWYG, a document appears the display screen exactly as it will look when printed. ETC