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

The bill rewards theatrical authorship, a human button as an alibi. —Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026

The topic of filmmaking between industry and vision’ and the current tensions between creation, industry and authorship will be further expanded at ECAM Forum’s The State of Things conference strand organized by the industry arm of Madrid’s prestigious ECAM film school. —Annika Pham, Variety, 22 May 2026

Robertson’s work is precisely about the negative space around authorship. —Literary Hub, 21 May 2026

Even though most of the artists in the show work solo, many have found creative ways of dissolving their individual authorship. —Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 12 May 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