misprint

Misprint is a printing error in which characters, words, or layout appear incorrectly in a published work. It results from mistakes in typesetting, proofreading, or during the printing process, and can affect the accuracy and readability of the text. Common manifestations include misspelled words, incorrect punctuation or symbols, missing or duplicated characters, and misaligned layouts.

Although misprint is often used broadly to refer to any printing mistake, in publishing practice it is distinguished from authorial errors by being introduced during the production stage rather than in the original manuscript. The terms erratum, errata, and corrigendum are used to announce and correct such errors in subsequent issues or editions.

Causes include human error in composing and typesetting, mechanical faults in presses, scanning or optical character recognition errors during digitization, and inadequate proofreading before release.

Typical examples include incorrect word forms, swapped letters, misplaced punctuation, or misnumbered pages. In some cases a misprint can alter the meaning of a sentence, while in others it may be trivial or cosmetic.

Correction methods vary: errata notices in print runs, revised reprints, or digital corrections in electronic editions. In long-running publications, periodic corrigenda may be issued to address accumulated errors.

Historical note: misprints have long been a concern in traditional printing, with famous cases cited in bibliographies and typography manuals. With modern workflows and digital typesetting, many errors are caught before publication, though they still occur, underscoring the need for thorough proofreading and quality control.