authorship

noun

au·​thor·​ship ˈȯ-thər-ˌship 

1

: the profession of writing

2

: the source (such as the author) of a piece of writing, music, or art

3

: the state or act of writing, creating, or causing

Examples of authorship in a Sentence

His first attempt at authorship failed.

Recent Examples on the Web

What does all that mean for authorship? —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 20 Mar. 2026

In jurisdictions like the EU, America, and Singapore, human authorship is required. —Marcus Lim, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026

As debate erupts over its true authorship, Catherine must confront the power of legacy, and the cost of proving herself. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 17 Mar. 2026

Enheduanna, a high priestess from Sumer who is credited with being the first person to sign her work, seems to be a fitting obsession for a writer who knows the stakes of authorship. —Andrea Valdez, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

author entry 1 + -ship

First Known Use

1710, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing authorship

• co-authorship

Rhymes for authorship

• battleship
• censorship
• chairmanship
• chieftainship
• comradeship
• consulship
• craftsmanship
• dealership
• draftsmanship
• fellowship
• fingertip
• internship

Kids Definition

authorship

noun

au·​thor·​ship ˈȯ-thər-ˌship 

1

: writing as an occupation

2

: the origin especially of a written work