authoress

noun

au·​thor·​ess ˈȯ-th(ə-)rəs How to pronounce authoress (audio)
somewhat old-fashioned
: a woman or girl who is an author

Word History

Etymology

author entry 1 + -ess

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of authoress was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Authoress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authoress. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.

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