writing

1 of 2

noun

writ·​ing ˈrī-tiŋ 

1

: the act or process of one who writes: such as

a

: the act or art of forming visible letters or characters

specifically : handwriting sense 1

b

: the act or practice of literary or musical composition

2

: something written: such as

a

: letters or characters that serve as visible signs of ideas, words, or symbols

b

: a letter, note, or notice used to communicate or record

c

: a written composition

d

: inscription

3

: a style or form of composition

4

: the occupation of a writer

especially : the profession of authorship

see also:

writing on the wall

writing

2 of 2

present participle of write

Examples of writing in a Sentence

Noun

Writing usually isn't a lucrative career, but it has been very fulfilling for me.

He teaches creative writing at the university.

Few people nowadays care about the art of letter writing.

The novel's plot is okay, but the writing is horrible.

I asked a friend to critique my writing.

Her essay was a wonderful piece of writing.

She has a unique writing style.

Much of the best Japanese writing has not been translated into English.

the writings of Benjamin Franklin

a book of selected writings on moral philosophy

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Facing the less-than-impressed detectives, Bret puts forth his theory of the Trawler, which he’s largely cribbed from Joan Didion’s writing on Charles Manson. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026

Its final season earned nine Emmy nominations, including outstanding variety series and outstanding writing for a variety series. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026

Months of preparation, writing and trading emails with the DEB team lead Charles Greenwald came and went. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Engwe Eagle At $1,099, the Engwe Eagle is the cheapest of the three at the time of writing. — New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing writing

• automatic writing
• commit (something) to paper/writing
• in writing
• picture writing
• see/read the writing/handwriting on the wall
• spirit writing
• sports writing
• the writing/handwriting is on the wall
• writing desk
• writing on the wall
• writing paper

Rhymes for writing

• biting
• blighting
• citing
• fighting
• lighting
• righting
• sighting
• siting
• slighting
• whiting
• alighting
• backbiting

Kids Definition

writing

noun

writ·​ing

ˈrīt-iŋ

1

: the act or process of one that writes: as

a

: the formation of letters to express words and ideas : handwriting sense 1

b

: the art or practice of literary or musical composition

2

: something (as a letter or book) that is written or printed

3

: a style or form of composition

4

: the occupation of a writer