writing

noun

writ·​ing ˈrī-tiŋ How to pronounce writing (audio)
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
3
: a style or form of composition
4
: the occupation of a writer
especially : the profession of authorship
Phrases
writing on the wall
: an omen or sign of one's unpleasant fate
No one told him he was going to be fired, but he could see the writing on the wall. [=he could see that he was going to be fired soon]

Examples of writing in a Sentence

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
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 sweet video was shared on TikTok in June, and, in just a matter of days, has gone viral with over 1.6 million views and more than 417,000 likes at the time of writing. Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025 Memoir Nation: Weekly Inspiration for Writers is an extension of the Memoir Nation community hosted by Brooke Warner and Grant Faulkner, two friends and colleagues who bring a community-minded sensibility to the writing journey. Memoir Nation june 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025 Corporate citizenship leaders are exploring generative AI platforms to support grant writing, storytelling, reporting, and data synthesis, particularly where staffing is limited. Timothy J. McClimon, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 While both films highlight the aftermath of getting involved with the other’s significant other, Splitsville shows the writing duo expanding into broader material. Nikki Sternberg, HollywoodReporter, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for writing

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of writing was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Writing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/writing. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on writing

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