author

1 of 2

noun

au·​thor ˈȯ-thər How to pronounce author (audio)
1
: the writer of a literary work (such as a book)
a famous author
2
a
: one that originates or creates something : source
software authors
film authors
the author of this crime
b
capitalized : god sense 1
authorial adjective

author

2 of 2

verb

authored; authoring; authors

transitive verb

: to be the author of : write
a writer who has authored several bestsellers

Examples of author in a Sentence

Noun The author of the article didn't check his facts. I enjoyed the book, but I can't remember the name of the author. She is the author of a plan for reforming the school system. Verb authored a new biography of Thomas Jefferson
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
Harris’ time as an author has bolstered her wealth. Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2024 As a result, the proceedings, which traditionally take place in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, are perfect fodder for authors and filmmakers. Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 25 Oct. 2024
Verb
The Browns’ complaint, authored by Anthony C. White and other attorneys from Thompson Hine, asserts the Modell law violates four Constitutional clauses: the Due Process Clause, the Commerce Clause, the Contract Clause and the Privileges and Immunities Clause. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 25 Oct. 2024 In preparation, Good reads each book authored by his guests, which is not the norm in our world of skimming. Janine MacLachlan, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for author 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English autour, auctour, actour "originator, creator, authoritative source, writer," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French auctur, auttour, actour "originator, creator, instigator, party, authority, writer," borrowed from Latin auctōr-, auctor "principal in a sale, person entitled to take action or authorize, authoritative writer, originator, creator, agent, founder," from augēre "to increase" + -tor, agent suffix — more at eke entry 2

Note: Variants with medial -th-, as aucthour, authour, etc., become current in the sixteenth century and lead to spelling pronunciations with [θ] in the seventeenth century. The spellings are presumed to reflect association with authentic and its Latin and Greek sources, as author in the sense "the first beginner and mover of anything," as Samuel Johnson put it, is the ultimate guarantor of authenticity.

Verb

derivative of author entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Verb

1597, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of author was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near author

Cite this Entry

“Author.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/author. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

author

noun
au·​thor
ˈȯ-thər
1
: a person who creates a written work : writer
2
: one that starts or creates
author of a plan for education
author verb

More from Merriam-Webster on author

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