proofread

verb

proof·​read ˈprüf-ˌrēd How to pronounce proofread (audio)
proofread ˈprüf-ˌred How to pronounce proofread (audio) ; proofreading
Synonyms of proofreadnext

transitive verb

: to read and mark corrections in (something, such as a proof)

Examples of proofread in a Sentence

He proofread the essay carefully.
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.
Someone who used Claude to proofread, translate or summarise their work may produce output that carries the mark, even though the underlying text is their own. — Anisha Sircar, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026 Even asking the model to proofread or translate a paragraph could leave a trace. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2026 Just remember to proofread your initials, because custom orders are almost always final sale. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 10 Aug. 2026 Stobe claimed in an email that the quote was not in the yearbook when O'Connell proofread it. — Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for proofread

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from proofreader

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of proofread was in 1845

Rhymes for proofread

See All Rhymes for proofread

Browse Nearby Words

proof press
proofread
proofreader
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Proofread.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proofread. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

proofread

verb
proof·​read ˈprü-ˌfrēd How to pronounce proofread (audio)
proofread -ˌfred How to pronounce proofread (audio) ; proofreading
: to read over and fix mistakes in
proofreader noun

More from Merriam-Webster on proofread

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for proofread

Nglish: Translation of proofread for Spanish Speakers

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