noun

kern

kurn

noun

Typography: the part of a printed letter that overhangs its own slot, or the adjustment of spacing between specific letter pairs.

"The designer tightened the kern between the "A" and "V" in the logo."

verb

To adjust the spacing between particular pairs of letters so text looks evenly balanced.

"The software automatically kerns headline text for a tighter look."

"She kerned the title by hand until it looked right."

How to Use Kern

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA typesetting term for fine-tuning the gaps between individual letters.

When to use it

Mostly used in graphic design, typesetting, and font software rather than everyday speech.

Common pairings

kern the type letter kerning kerning pair

Word Forms

kerned past tense, kerns plural, kerns plural, kerns plural, kerns plural, kerns singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “kern” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The designer tightened the _____ between the "A" and "V" in the logo.

Etymology

From Middle English corn/curn ("grain, kernel"), related to the word "kernel" — the typographic sense developed later from the idea of a small overhanging piece.

Rhymes for kern

ern Bern fern CERN Vern stern govern modern astern tavern cavern intern

See all rhymes for kern →