font

Everyday

1. (computers) A set of letters and numbers in one design and size, such as Arial or Times New Roman. tree →
2. (church) A large stone or wooden basin in a church that holds the water for baptism. tree →
3. (formal) A source of something: «a font of knowledge» (also «fount»). tree →

In the lessons

In school ICT lessons pupils choose a font, font size and colour for their work. In church life babies are baptised at the font, usually near the church door. Phrases: «font size», «change the font», «bold font», «the baptismal font», «a font of wisdom».

Examples

• Change the font to make the title bigger. tree →
• Use font size 14 for your story. tree →
• The baby was baptised at the font. tree →
• The old stone font is the oldest thing in the church. tree →
• Comic Sans is a fun font. tree →
• Grandma is a font of knowledge about birds. tree →

Note

Countable. Two separate meanings come from two old words. «A font of knowledge» and «a fount of knowledge» are both used. In computers a «typeface» is the design and a «font» is strictly one size and style, but most people use them the same.