Handwriting vs. Manuscript — What's the Difference?

Handwriting is the writing done with a writing instrument, such as a pen or pencil, in the hand. Handwriting includes both printing and cursive styles and is separate from formal calligraphy or typeface.

A manuscript (abbreviated MS for singular and MSS for plural) was, traditionally, any document written by hand – or, once practical typewriters became available, typewritten – as opposed to mechanically printed or reproduced in some indirect or automated way. More recently, the term has come to be understood to further include any written, typed, or word-processed copy of an author's work, as distinguished from its rendition as a printed version of the same.

Writing with a pen or pencil

A book, document, or piece of music written by hand rather than typed or printed

Writing done with the hand.

A handwritten book, poem, or other document, or a collection of such handwritten documents bound together

The writing characteristic of a particular person.

A version of a book, article, or other work before being published or prepared for publication

The act or process of writing done with the hand, rather than typed or word-processed.

Handwriting, especially in contrast to print

Text that was written by hand.

Handwritten, or by extension manually typewritten, as opposed to being mechanically reproduced.

The characteristic writing of a particular person.

A book, composition or any other document, written by hand (or manually typewritten), not mechanically reproduced.

(by extension) A characteristic trait or hallmark by which somebody may be recognised.

A single, original copy of a book, article, composition etc, written by hand or even printed, submitted as original for (copy-editing and) reproductive publication.

Present participle of handwrite

Written with or by the hand; not printed; as, a manuscript volume.

The cast or form of writing peculiar to each hand or person; chirography.

An original literary or musical composition written by the author, formerly with the hand, now usually by typewriter or word processor. It is contrasted with a printed copy.

That which is written by hand; manuscript.

Writing, as opposed to print; as, the book exists only in manuscript.

Something written by hand;

The form of a literary work submitted for publication

The activity of writing by hand;

Handwritten book or document