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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In honor of the great director, here is some our favorite writing about the terror of the living dead.
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University of California Riverside alumnus Pierre Sleiman Jr. saw the writing on the wall back in 2009.
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Last month, the House Appropriations Committee voted — by voice, perhaps unanimously — to include in a defense measure a provision repealing the 16-year-old AUMF, for the purpose of forcing the writing of one responsive to 2017 realities.
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Those are some of the questions raised by Ted Lehmann, well-known in the bluegrass world for his writing and blogging on music, in a recent post on the roots-music website No Depression. …
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Josh Bean received the highest writing honor at the 46th annual Alabama Sports Writers Association's convention and was presented the Herby Kirby Award for his story on Southeastern High School athlete, Justin Bolden.
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The writing of scholarship (requires you) to look over your shoulder.
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For the Louisville newspaper, Elson developed a reputation for her exacting reporting, graceful writing and lucid explanation of complicated issues.
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India’s central bank governor Urjit Patel has warned writing off loans for millions of farmers encourages others not to repay and risks pushing up inflation.
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.
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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