Definition of writing
1 : the act or process of one who writes: such asa : the act or art of forming visible letters or characters; specifically : handwriting 1b : the act or practice of literary or musical composition
2 : something written: such asa : letters or characters that serve as visible signs of ideas, words, or symbolsb : a letter, note, or notice used to communicate or recordc : a written compositiond : inscription
3 : a style or form of composition
4 : the occupation of a writer; especially : the profession of authorship
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]
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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 of writing from the Web
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His writing — that was his way of creating a legacy of inspiring people to get out and explore the mountains.
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At the time of writing, the tweet has been liked more than 13,000 times.
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One of the largest grant writing organizations in the Southeast is located across the street from the courthouse in Camden.
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That speech—really a dialogue with Brockhart in the presence of the rest of the dudes—was as clunky as faux-prestige-TV writing gets.
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His writings brought to those at home the toll and terror of war; a terror that becomes a constant companion for a soldier.
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This essay has been adapted from writings produced in TMI Project workshops.
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Law enforcement agencies are now required to notify people in writing when their names are added to CalGangs, unless providing that information would compromise an active criminal investigation.
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Some of that art is displayed in his studio as casually unframed drawings, but much of the studio’s most crowded wall is devoted to the planning of Mr. Malloy’s writing.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'writing'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
13th Century
First Known Use of writing
13th century
Other Literature Terms
WRITING Defined for English Language Learners
writing
playDefinition of writing for English Language Learners
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: the activity or work of writing books, poems, stories, etc.
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: the way that you use written words to express your ideas or opinions
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: books, poems, essays, letters, etc.
WRITING Defined for Kids
writing
Definition of writing for Students
1 : the act of a person who writes
2 : handwriting I can't read his writing.
3 : something (as a letter or book) that is written
Learn More about writing
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See words that rhyme with writing Spanish Central: Translation of writing Nglish: Translation of writing for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of writing for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about writing
Seen and Heard
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