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

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

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