edit

1 of 2

verb

ed·​it ˈe-dət How to pronounce edit (audio)
edited; editing; edits

transitive verb

1
a
: to prepare (something, such as literary material) for publication or public presentation
edit a manuscript
b
: to assemble (something, such as a moving picture or tape recording) by cutting and rearranging
edit a film
c
: to alter, adapt, or refine especially to bring about conformity to a standard or to suit a particular purpose
carefully edited the speech
edit a data file
2
: to direct the publication of
edits the daily newspaper
3
: delete
usually used with out
4
: to modify a gene or gene product of by inserting, deleting, or replacing DNA sequences
The first work attempting to edit human embryos grabbed headlines last week.Penny Sarchet and Michael Le Page
see gene editing
editable adjective

edit

2 of 2

noun

: an instance or result of editing

Examples of edit in a Sentence

Verb This chapter needs to be edited. The book was poorly edited. The stories have been edited for a younger audience. Students learn to edit their essays for grammar and punctuation. The software allows you to edit videos on your computer. This film has been edited for television. an anthology of ancient poetry edited by a local professor
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 22 Aug. 2025 Today’s edition of 5 Things AM was edited and produced by CNN’s Andrew Torgan. Jade Walker, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2025
Noun
In the new movie starring Denzel Washington, the camera rollicks, the edit clips at warp speed, and the sound mix explodes in Lee's coruscating New York — but the primordial ethical conflict at its heart simmers the same. Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 15 Aug. 2025 The edit will include archival designs from Erdem (which happens to be celebrating its 20th anniversary this year) and Ahluwalia in London, as well as Altuzarra, Luar and Kallmeyer in New York. Emily Chan, Vogue, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for edit

Word History

Etymology

Verb

back-formation from editor

First Known Use

Verb

1704, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1917, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of edit was in 1704

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Edit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/edit. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

edit

verb
ed·​it
ˈed-ət
1
a
: to correct, revise, and prepare for publication
edit a book of poems
b
: to assemble (as a film or tape recording) by cutting and rearranging
2
: to direct the publication of
edit a daily newspaper

More from Merriam-Webster on edit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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