SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus

written

adjective
Save Word
writ·​ten | \ ˈri-tᵊn How to pronounce written (audio) \

Definition of written

: made or done in writing a written contract/agreement Applications for property and liability insurance may be either oral or written.— Robert I. Mehr

First Known Use of written

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Learn More About written

Time Traveler for written

Time Traveler

The first known use of written was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Statistics for written

Cite this Entry

“Written.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/written. Accessed 12 Aug. 2022.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

More from Merriam-Webster on written

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for written

Nglish: Translation of written for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of written for Arabic Speakers

WORD OF THE DAY

melancholia

Listen to the pronunciation of melancholia

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Challenging Words You Should Know

  • hedgehog reading a book
  • Often used to describe “the march of time,” what does inexorable mean?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games