English UsageComparison guide
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
Confusion Familyword-boundary
Noun Variant ScopeCambridge distinguishes the closed noun “printout” from the two-word phrasal verb “print out.”
Rule Familyorthographic-boundary
Termsprintout, print out
Choose the right form
| If you mean / need | Use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| a paper copy produced by a printer | printout | The noun is written as one word. |
| the action of producing a printed copy | print out | The phrasal verb is written as two words. |
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