writing

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

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

There's been much written about Brett Goldstein's award-winning turn as Ted Lasso's Roy Kent and his nuanced portrayal of Louis on Shrinking, but his writing credits are just as impressive (on Ted Lasso, Shrinking, and more). —Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 26 Sep. 2025

The former YouTube creator gave Anik a shoutout after winning a trophy for outstanding writing for a comedy series. —Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025

Jahn does not appear to have affiliations with specific groups or entities, nor did his writings mention government agencies other than ICE, Larson said. —Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025

His writing covers technology, sustainability, geopolitics, and occasionally fiction. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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 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