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

Fox also brought German auteur F.W. Murnau to Hollywood, though the director’s life would also soon find tragedy. —Chris Yogerst, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2025

In the age of the franchise vs. the auteur, this is not Edwards selling out his personal vision, but rather one of the biggest challenges of his career. —Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 30 June 2025

Holding its 24th edition from July 4 – 12, the Swiss showcase for fantastical film, Asian cinema and digital creation has evolved in tow, growing from upstart to institution as outré fare and auteurs seized ever-greater opportunities. —Ben Croll, Variety, 27 June 2025

Entertainment Weekly asked the auteur for her interpretation. —Jessica Wang, EW.com, 12 June 2025

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

• amour
• grandeur
• hauteur
• velour
• verdure
• voyeur
• doer
• poor
• poore
• raconteur