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

And because these actors are all so strong and the direction is so affirmative, the comedy and heartbreak in the writing pop off the stage right into your lap. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 29 Sep. 2026

Inspired by Soviet dissidents who secretly circulated writing, the sessions encourage participants to reclaim private expression in an era of political turmoil, data mining and government pressure that curtails public expression. — Miranda Huang, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026

Although the earl’s vivid writing helps readers imagine the places of his childhood, pictures from the time help to add color to the scenes from his book. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 28 Sep. 2026

This week, Scrubs is slated to do a table read for Episode 8 of its 10-episode second season, which will film next, with Batra and her writing team still working on the scripts for Episodes 9 and 10. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 28 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