writing

1 of 2

noun

writ·​ing ˈrī-tiŋ 

1

: the act or process of one who writes: such as

a

: the act or art of forming visible letters or characters

specifically : handwriting sense 1

b

: the act or practice of literary or musical composition

2

: something written: such as

a

: letters or characters that serve as visible signs of ideas, words, or symbols

b

: a letter, note, or notice used to communicate or record

c

: a written composition

d

: inscription

3

: a style or form of composition

4

: the occupation of a writer

especially : the profession of authorship

see also:

writing on the wall

writing

2 of 2

present participle of write

Examples of writing in a Sentence

Noun

Writing usually isn't a lucrative career, but it has been very fulfilling for me.

He teaches creative writing at the university.

Few people nowadays care about the art of letter writing.

The novel's plot is okay, but the writing is horrible.

I asked a friend to critique my writing.

Her essay was a wonderful piece of writing.

She has a unique writing style.

Much of the best Japanese writing has not been translated into English.

the writings of Benjamin Franklin

a book of selected writings on moral philosophy

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

She’s worked at outlets including the Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, and CNN, and received numerous accolades for her reporting, including a national Society of Professional Journalists award for food writing. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026

As of this writing, no such thing has occurred because of Heated Rivalry or any other factor, and the secrets of closeted gay NHL players are safe for now. — Literary Hub, 21 Sep. 2026

Sean John Combs, as of this writing, is inmate number 37452-054 and counting down the days of his sentence at Fort Dix, a low-security federal prison in New Jersey. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026

Harada says reaching audiences outside Japan has been the hardest part of her writing career, even as her novels have found readers in South Korea, China and Taiwan. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing writing

• automatic writing
• commit (something) to paper/writing
• in writing
• picture writing
• see/read the writing/handwriting on the wall
• spirit writing
• sports writing
• the writing/handwriting is on the wall
• writing desk
• writing on the wall
• writing paper

Rhymes for writing

• biting
• blighting
• citing
• fighting
• lighting
• righting
• sighting
• siting
• slighting
• whiting
• alighting
• backbiting

Kids Definition

writing

noun

writ·​ing

ˈrīt-iŋ

1

: the act or process of one that writes: as

a

: the formation of letters to express words and ideas : handwriting sense 1

b

: the art or practice of literary or musical composition

2

: something (as a letter or book) that is written or printed

3

: a style or form of composition

4

: the occupation of a writer