printed matter
Books and pamphlets
Printed matter refers to materials produced by printing—books, newspapers, magazines, brochures, and similar items.
The term appears most often in postal and shipping contexts, where printed matter qualifies for reduced rates: The package was sent as printed matter to save on postage.
It distinguishes mass-produced text from handwritten correspondence or other mail categories.
Bound written work
- magazineBound periodical with articles
- newspaperPrinted periodical of current events
- journalRecord of daily events
- pamphletUnbound topical booklet
brochure · periodical · newsletter · bulletin · catalogue · almanac · anthology · volume
Printed advertisement sheet
- handbillPrinted sheet for distribution
- posterDisplayed printed notice
- circularForming a closed curve
- handoutFree distribution to recipients
mailer · insert · coupon · banner · placard · broadside · notice · advertisement
Comprehensive subject-matter collection
- dictionaryAlphabetical word reference
- manualWritten instructions for use
- handbookCompact reference guide
- guidebookReference for travelers
directory · atlas · thesaurus · almanac · index · glossary · compendium · gazetteer
Picture explaining something
- photographImage from a camera
- graphicVividly detailed or visual
- diagramSimplified explanatory sketch
- chartData shown visually
infographic · engraving · lithograph · woodcut · etching · reproduction · plate · frontispiece
New and unusual
- poetryMetrical literary composition
- proseUnversified language
- fictionImagined narrative work
- nonfictionLiterature about real events
essay · memoir · biography · anthology · drama · narrative · mystery · romance
Academic subject manual
- workbookEducational exercise manual
- primerPreparatory coat or guide
- readerOne who peruses text
- schoolbookEducational classroom volume
study guide · syllabus · coursebook · exercise book · lesson plan · grammar · spelling book · flashcard
book
Bound written work
- magazineBound periodical with articles
- newspaperPrinted periodical of current events
- journalRecord of daily events
pamphlet · brochure · periodical · newsletter · bulletin · catalogue · almanac · anthology · volume · edition
flyer
Printed advertisement sheet
handout · mailer · insert · coupon · banner · placard · broadside · notice · advertisement · postcard
encyclopedia
Comprehensive subject-matter collection
- dictionaryAlphabetical word reference
- manualWritten instructions for use
- handbookCompact reference guide
guidebook · directory · atlas · thesaurus · almanac · index · glossary · compendium · gazetteer · lexicon
illustration
Picture explaining something
- photographImage from a camera
- graphicVividly detailed or visual
- diagramSimplified explanatory sketch
chart · infographic · engraving · lithograph · woodcut · etching · reproduction · plate · frontispiece · vignette
novel
New and unusual
nonfiction · essay · memoir · biography · anthology · drama · narrative · mystery · romance · fantasy
textbook
Academic subject manual
schoolbook · study guide · syllabus · coursebook · exercise book · lesson plan · grammar · spelling book · flashcard · curriculum
form
Shape or document
- certificateFormal written attestation
- ticketEntry permit slip
- voucherRedeemable certificate for value
receipt · invoice · letterhead · billhead · contract · permit · license · deed · warrant · diploma
- postalmail, mail delivery, stamp, stamps, mail service
printed matterdigital content
Electronic files for consumption
electronic media · e-books · digital publications · web pages · electronic documents
printed matterspoken word
Poetry delivered aloud
oral communication · speech · oral tradition · broadcast · live performance
print, matter, printing, printed, reprint, misprint, printers, reprinted, printable