textual criticism

noun

: the study of a literary work that aims to establish the original text

: a critical study of literature emphasizing a close reading and analysis of the text

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Ophelia has been, for centuries, the person in the text most considered for reinterpretations and textual criticism. —

Julie Muncy, WIRED, 8 Aug. 2019 First, the textual criticism of the Bible, originating in Germany and spreading throughout the West, undermined the Biblical foundation of Western Christianity. —

Garland Tucker, National Review, 21 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'textual criticism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of textual criticism was in 1859

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Dictionary Entries Near textual criticism

textual critic

textual criticism

textualism

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Textual criticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/textual%20criticism. Accessed 29 Mar. 2023.

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