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

This is a culmination of a strategy that began with his authorship three years ago. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 22 Jan. 2026

Intimacy over immensity, authorship over algorithms. —Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026

The satirical, scripted meeting proved the power of an actor can have when granted authorship in marketing their movies in unconventional ways. —Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 14 Jan. 2026

Rakoff previously dismissed Gray’s claim of joint authorship, but allowed the copyright infringement claim to advance to discovery. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 9 Jan. 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