Printout vs. Print Out
“Printout” is a noun for printed computer output or a paper copy. “Print out” is the two-word phrasal verb meaning to produce a printed copy of digital material.
Use “printout” for the noun and “print out” for the verb.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| printed output or a printed document | printout | Use the one-word noun. |
| produce a paper copy or otherwise print something | print out | Use the two-word phrasal verb. |
| verb with an object pronoun | print it out | Keep the phrasal-verb structure. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Can the expression be replaced by “printed copy/document” as a noun?
If yes: Use “printout.”
If no: If it names the action of printing, use the verb “print out.”
Examples
Please bring a printout of the schedule.
“Printout” is the noun naming the printed copy.
Please print out the schedule.
“Print out” is the verb phrase naming the action.
I printed it out before the meeting.
The pronoun can appear between the verb and particle in the phrasal verb.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use “print out” when the expression functions as a verb; use the documented noun form for the person, thing, event, result, or modifier.
Fast Test
If tense or inflection works naturally—such as a past or -ing form—you are using the verb and should keep “print out” as separate words.
Variant Boundary
Cambridge distinguishes the closed noun “printout” from the two-word phrasal verb “print out.”
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- PRINTOUT — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Closed noun “printout” for printed computer output
- PRINT SOMETHING OUT — English meaning (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Two-word phrasal verb “print out” for producing a printed copy