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

Scorsese asked about the future of Iranian cinema given all the great auteurs who have left the country. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025

Led by founder and director Hrönn Marinósdóttir and program director Fréderic Boyer, the 10-day event offered audiences a unique look at film history through its blend of new festival hits and a stream of visiting auteurs. —Alissa Simon, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025

Known for their strong commitment to auteurs, Abdy and De Luca also came under scrutiny for giving Paul Thomas Anderson the biggest budget of his career to make One Battle After Another, a critical darling and and early-runner in the awards race. —Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2025

There aren’t that many American auteurs, mostly because the movie industry doesn’t want them. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 25 Sep. 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