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graphics

Etymology and origin of the English word graphics

History Permalink
Confidence
Established
Formation
Derivation
First attested
1842

Pronunciation

  • IPA: /ˈɡɹæfɪks/[1]

Etymology

It is formed from graphic and -ics.[2][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

The art of precise mechanical drawing: by 1842.[2]

Semantic evolution

The use of diagrams in calculation, as of structural stresses, is by 1889.[2][4] Layout and typography are from 1960,[2] the products of the graphic arts, especially commercial design and illustration, follow,[5] and images produced by computers are recorded by 1966.[2][5]

Timeline

  • 1842 – mechanical drawing.[2]
  • 1889 – the use of diagrams.[2]
  • 1960 – layout and typography.[2]
  • 1966 – computer graphics.[2]

Modern meaning

Noun

  1. Visual images such as drawings, diagrams and pictures, especially those produced by computers.
  2. The art of designing and producing such images, especially in commercial work.
  3. The use of diagrams in calculation and design.

Word family

  • micrographics
  • reprographics
  • supergraphics
  • computer graphics
  • graphics tablet
  • vector graphics

References

  1. ^ Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  3. ^ Klein, Ernest. A Comprehensive Etymological Dictionary of the English Language. 2 vols. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 1966–1967.
  4. ^ The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (1992), 3rd ed., Boston: Houghton Mifflin
  5. ^ a b Soanes, Catherine; Stevenson, Angus, eds. (2004), Concise Oxford English Dictionary, 11th ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press
Cite this entry

“Graphics.” Etymologically, 16 Oct. 2026, etymologically.com/en/graphics. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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