playwright

noun

play·​wright ˈplā-ˌrīt How to pronounce playwright (audio)
Synonyms of playwright
: a person who writes plays

Examples of playwright in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Rose‘s success led to Rydell’s hiring to direct the much anticipated On Golden Pond, the film adaptation of playwright Ernest Thompson’s 1979 play. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026 Ancient Greek playwright Aristophanes’ comedy The Frogs inspired the Caxys nickname. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2026 Tarp, who has also worked as a playwright, helmed Getting to That Age after another previous short, her debut Bark starring Monica Potter, Alfonso Caballero and Jennifer Sherer. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026 An Atlanta playwright is bringing her work to the stage as part of the SheATL Summer Theater Festival. — Donald Fountain, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for playwright

Word History

Etymology

play entry 2 + obsolete wright maker — more at wright

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of playwright was in 1605

Rhymes for playwright

See All Rhymes for playwright

Browse Nearby Words

play with words/language
playwright
playwriting
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Playwright.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/playwright. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

playwright

noun
play·​wright ˈplā-ˌrīt How to pronounce playwright (audio)
: a person who writes plays
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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