sans serif

noun

sans ser·​if san-ˈser-əf How to pronounce sans serif (audio)
sanz-
variants or sanserif
: a letter or typeface with no serifs

Illustration of sans serif

Illustration of sans serif

Examples of sans serif 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.
Keough weaves both voices together in a dual narrative demarcated by type: Lisa Marie’s words are in a serif font, and her own are sans serif. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 11 Oct. 2024 The big divide in the world of typeface is between serif, or letters with small lines or tails attached to their edges, and sans serif, letters without those lines that have a smoother look. Victor Mather, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2024 The font is sans serif but playful. Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 2 Dec. 2022 Other homes around it got fresh paint, sans serif house numbers and were flipped for a $1 million and more. Petula Dvorak, Washington Post, 2 Feb. 2023 See all Example Sentences for sans serif 

Word History

Etymology

probably from sans + modification of Dutch schreef stroke — more at serif

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sans serif was in 1830

Dictionary Entries Near sans serif

Cite this Entry

“Sans serif.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sans%20serif. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on sans serif

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!