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

The president had sued CBS News, accusing them of deceptively editing former Vice President Kamala Harris' 2024 campaign trail appearance on 60 Minutes, per reporting by Reuters. —Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 26 Nov. 2025

The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by Miami Herald journalists. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 26 Nov. 2025

Noun

In fact, the edit spliced together remarks in the president’s speech that were far apart from each other and out of context. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 14 Nov. 2025

Trump had threatened to sue to the network for $1 billion over the edit on the documentary, which was broadcast last year. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 13 Nov. 2025

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