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

Verb

• redraft
• revamp
• revise
• rework

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 creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 17 May 2025

Ironically, users spend significant time editing these AI outputs, essentially becoming engineers trying to coax a machine into sounding real. —William Jones, USA Today, 17 May 2025

Noun

One viewer might realize the irony and laugh at a satirical edit; another might fall down the rabbit hole for good. —Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 30 Apr. 2025

Fans seem to love to make edits of you and your ex, Emma Chamberlain, on TikTok set to your songs. —Jodi Guglielmi, Rolling Stone, 29 Apr. 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