lithography

noun

li·​thog·​ra·​phy li-ˈthä-grə-fē How to pronounce lithography (audio)
1
: the process of printing from a plane surface (such as a smooth stone or metal plate) on which the image to be printed is ink-receptive and the blank area ink-repellent
2
: the process of producing patterns on semiconductor crystals for use as integrated circuits

Examples of lithography in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The parts of the stack that matter most in the long run, lithography, memory, and packaging, are also where China is furthest behind. — Ashish Bhatia, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 China has long tried to make a lithography machine that could be competitive with non-Chinese offerings, as part of a broader effort to build its own semiconductor industry. — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026 Instead, the country’s lithography ecosystem is expected to involve multiple specialized companies contributing different technologies under a coordinated national effort. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 July 2026 Some less advanced deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography machines are bought and sold in China, however — and there’s big numbers involved. — Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for lithography

Word History

Etymology

litho- + -graphy, after French lithographie or German Lithographie (now Lithografie)

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lithography was in 1813

Rhymes for lithography

See All Rhymes for lithography

Browse Nearby Words

lithographic varnish
lithography
lithogravure
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lithography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lithography. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lithography

noun
li·​thog·​ra·​phy lith-ˈäg-rə-fē How to pronounce lithography (audio)
: a method of printing from a flat surface (as a smooth stone or metal plate) that has been prepared in such a way that only the areas meant to print will take ink

More from Merriam-Webster on lithography

Nglish: Translation of lithography for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lithography

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