hard copy

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

ˈhard ˈcop•y, n. [uncountable]

1. Printing, Computing computer output printed on paper;
   printout.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

hard′ cop′y, 

1. Printing, Computing copy, as computer output printed on paper, that can be read without using a special device (opposed to soft copy).
2. Printing copy that is finished and ready for the printer.
• 1885–90, American.
hard′-cop′y, adj. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

hard copy noun

1. computer output printed on paper, as contrasted with machine-readable output such as magnetic tape