gravure printing. (graphic arts). A process that prints from sunken or depressed surfaces or cups on a plate, in contrast to the raised printing surfaces of letterpress; the depth (and the area) of the depressed areas varies, thus yielding more or less ink on the paper.1  Facebook. 2  Twitter.ravure printing. (graphic arts). A process that prints from sunken or depressed surfaces or cups on a plate, in contrast to the raised printing surfaces of letterpress; the depth (and the area) of the depressed areas varies, thus yielding more or less ink on the paper. 1  Facebook.