edit

1 of 2

verb

ed·​it ˈe-dət 

edited; editing; edits

transitive verb

1

a

: to prepare (something, such as literary material) for publication or public presentation

edit a manuscript

b

: to assemble (something, such as a moving picture or tape recording) by cutting and rearranging

edit a film

c

: to alter, adapt, or refine especially to bring about conformity to a standard or to suit a particular purpose

carefully edited the speech

edit a data file

2

: to direct the publication of

edits the daily newspaper

3

: delete

—usually used with out

4

: to modify a gene or gene product of by inserting, deleting, or replacing DNA sequences

The first work attempting to edit human embryos grabbed headlines last week.

—Penny Sarchet and Michael Le Page

see gene editing

editable

ˈe-də-tə-bəl 

adjective

edit

2 of 2

noun

: an instance or result of editing

Synonyms of edit

Verb

• revise
• read
• rework
• publish
• print
• compile
• redraft

Examples of edit in a Sentence

Verb

This chapter needs to be edited.

The book was poorly edited.

The stories have been edited for a younger audience.

Students learn to edit their essays for grammar and punctuation.

The software allows you to edit videos on your computer.

This film has been edited for television.

an anthology of ancient poetry edited by a local professor

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

All of that aligns the series with a particular strain of reality show in which participants are expected to follow certain patterns of behavior that can be neatly edited into episodic arcs. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026

His widow Louise picked up the mantle and, following her death in 2023, their son David — who was also in the house that day as a young cameraman — has now edited the film to completion alongside his daughter Liani as producer. — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Noun

The Colossal and Anduril founders want to clone, gene-edit and armor America’s working dogs, and bring the supply chain home from Europe. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

While the Cyclops scene was a puzzle, the beheading of Athena during the Sacking of Troy and the magnificent edit of the statue came together with ease, as it was already written into Nolan’s script. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

back-formation from editor

First Known Use

Verb

1704, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1917, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing edit

• co-edit
• copy edit
• edit oneself
• edit out

Rhymes for edit

• credit
• dedit
• accredit
• discredit
• noncredit
• microcredit

Kids Definition

edit

verb

ed·​it

ˈed-ət

1

a

: to correct, revise, and prepare for publication

edit a book of poems

b

: to assemble (as a film or tape recording) by cutting and rearranging

2

: to direct the publication of

edit a daily newspaper