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 partnership between the two is an alignment in values — with beauty seen as both an active, daily choice and an expression of self-authorship. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026

The team notes that games are not works of authorship like movies or books. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 17 Aug. 2026

The team behind The Feral, as the overall project is known, has been at the forefront of the battle over AI authorship. — Shanti Escalante-De Mattei, ARTnews.com, 17 Aug. 2026

As the title suggests, Gordon was not a passive subject, actively fighting his director for authorship of the story. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 16 Aug. 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