✨📕 The NEWThe NEW Collegiate Dictionary, 12th Edition Over 5,000 words added — Buy Now! Collegiate DictionaryBuy Now!

derivative work

noun

: a piece of intellectual property that substantially derives from an underlying work

Note: Use of a derivative work that is derived from an underlying copyrighted work is infringement if the permission of the copyright owner is not obtained.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Derivative work.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/derivative%20work. Accessed 2 Dec. 2025.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!