auteur

1 of 2

noun (1)

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

auteurism

2 of 2

noun (2)

au·​teur·​ism ō-ˈtər-ˌi-zəm 

-ˈtœr-

plural -s

: auteur theory

auteurist

ō-ˈtər-ist 

-ˈtœr-

noun or adjective

auteuristic

ˌō-ˌtər-ˈi-stik, 

-ˌtœr-

adjective

While it might be too glib to say that Allen's art mirrors his life, it is certainly true to say that his films are auteuristic expressions of his own neuroses and concerns.

—Neil Norman, Evening Standard (London), 14 Aug. 1992

Examples of auteur in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

As ever, the lineup is a mix of new features from Asia’s best auteurs, a sprinkling of Hollywood movies and projects from up-and-coming filmmakers. — Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2026

These folks don’t know about the other Tom Cruise, the actor who sought out arthouse heavy hitters and auteurs, and gave himself over to their visions. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 29 Sep. 2026

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

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

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

Noun (2)

auteur + -ism

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1962, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1968, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing auteur

• auteur theory

Rhymes for auteur

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