auteur

noun

au·​teur ō-ˈtu̇r 

-ˈtər

1

: a film director whose practice accords with the auteur theory

broadly : director sense c

2

: an artist (such as a musician or writer) whose style and practice are distinctive

auteurist

ō-ˈtər-ist 

adjective or noun

Examples of auteur in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Top plaudits at the San Sebastián Co-Production Forum served by contrast to highlight first or second time directors, though two are already fast emerging auteurs. — Callum McLennan, Variety, 23 Sep. 2026

That’s the kind of relationship the two genre auteurs have nine years after Flanagan first adapted the literary giant’s work with Gerald’s Game. — Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2026

Yet there’s still plenty to look forward to at this year’s TIFF, including new films from international auteurs, intriguing thrillers from stylish filmmakers, surprising forays into genre, and, sure, awards bait. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2026

During the panel discussion, Gyllenhaal also addressed the pitch that AI can democratize filmmaking and allow auteurs to make big-budget projects at a fraction of the cost. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, originator, author, from Old French autor, from Latin auctor — more at author

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing auteur

• auteur theory

Rhymes for auteur

• blotter
• cotter
• daughter
• hotter
• mater
• otter
• plotter
• rotter
• slaughter
• spotter
• squatter
• totter