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 directors of photography are Jerome De Gerlache, Alexi Van Hennecker, and Ben Grinand; Beppe Leonetti edited the film. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026

Katie has worked on StyleCaster‘s shopping team since September 2021, giving her nearly five years of experience with writing and editing commerce content, much of which has included sales and deals coverage. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 8 Oct. 2026

Noun

Rebel Audio, which came out of stealth mode in March 2026, employs AI tools to help creators record, edit, publish, translate, distribute and monetize their content. — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026

Scroll on for an edit of more wedding guest slip dresses that are just as versatile. — Corinne Pierre-Louis, Vogue, 7 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