verb

press

prehs

verb

To push firmly against something, or push down on a button or surface.

"Press the button to start the machine."

"She pressed her hand against the cold glass."

To urge someone strongly to do or agree to something.

"The reporter pressed the minister for a direct answer."

noun

Newspapers and journalists collectively; the news media.

"The scandal drew widespread attention from the press."

A machine used to apply strong force, such as for printing or shaping material.

"The printing press revolutionized the spread of information."

How to Use Press

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo push on something firmly, to pressure someone, or (as a noun) the news media or a machine that applies force.

Common pairings

press a button press for details freedom of the press

Word Forms

pressed past tense, prest past tense, presses plural, press plural, pressed plural, presses singular, press singular, pressed singular, pressest singular, pressedst singular, presseth singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ the button to start the machine.

Etymology

From Old French presser, "to press," from Latin pressare, based on premere, "to press."

Rhymes for press

ess less Jess mess fess ness Bess Tess Hess chess bless guess

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