write

verb

\ ˈrīt

wrote\ ˈrōt

\; written\ ˈri-tᵊn

\ also writ\ ˈrit

\ or dialectal wrote; writing\ ˈrī-tiŋ

Definition of write

transitive verb

1a : to form (characters, symbols, etc.) on a surface with an instrument (such as a pen)

b : to form (words) by inscribing characters or symbols on a surface write one's name

c : to spell in writing words written alike but pronounced differently

d : to cover, fill, or fill in by writing wrote ten pages write a check

2 : to set down in writing: such as

a : draw up, draft write a will

b(1) : to be the author of : compose writes poems and essays

(2) : to compose in musical form write a string quartet

c : to express in literary form if I could write the beauty of your eyes— William Shakespeare

d : to communicate by letter writes that they are coming

e : to use or exhibit (a specific script, language, or literary form or style) in writing write braille writes French with ease

f : to write contracts or orders for especially : underwrite write life insurance

3 : to make a permanent impression of

4 : to communicate with in writing we'll write you when we get there

5 : ordain, fate so be it, it is written— D. C. Peattie

6 : to make evident or obvious guilt written on his face

7 : to force, effect, introduce, or remove by writing write oneself into fame and fortune— Charles Lee

8 : to take part in or bring about (something worth recording)

9a : to introduce (information) into the storage device or medium of a computer

b : to transfer (information) from the main memory of a computer to a storage or output device

10 : sell write a stock option

intransitive verb

1a : to make significant characters or inscriptions also : to permit or be adapted to writing

b : to form or produce written letters, words, or sentences

2 : to compose, communicate by, or send a letter

3a : to produce a written work

b : to compose music

write one's own ticket

: to select a course of action or position entirely according to one's wishes

writ large

: on a larger scale or in a more prominent manner the problems of modern totalitarianism are only our own problems writ large — The Times Literary Supplement (London)

writ small

: on a smaller scale

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about write

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Examples of write in a Sentence

children learning to read and write I don't have anything to write with. Could I borrow a pen? Please write your name at the top of each sheet. Write the number as a decimal instead of as a fraction. She wrote “tag sale” on the sign in big letters. The note was written in blue ink. I mistakenly wrote her name as “Gene” instead of “Jean.” She wrote hundreds of poems during her lifetime. She wrote an essay comparing two poems. I'm writing an article for the school newspaper.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Nancy Sinatra Boots Were Made for Walkin’ Award Karrie Jacobs traveled to LaGuardia airport on foot, and wrote about the experience. — Mark Lamster, Curbed, "2018 in architecture: The good, the bad, and the urbanism," 27 Dec. 2018 One of eight penthouses, for their sweeping views of the Caribbean, outdoor living rooms, personal plunge pools, and luxe outdoor showers, writes Traveler contributor Cynthia Rosenfeld. — Meredith Carey, Condé Nast Traveler, "12 Days of Deals: Fly to Cancún for $240 Round-Trip," 21 Dec. 2018 Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec has said Barr wrote the memo on his own initiative and relying only on publicly available information. — Eric Tucker, The Seattle Times, "Trump’s AG nominee defends memo criticizing Mueller probe," 15 Jan. 2019 As outlined by the DMSC and Freedom for Immigrants in their recent report, detainees at the OCPC are required to submit written requests to receive medical attention, which may be processed days later or denied, even in urgent situations. — Elaine Murphy, Teen Vogue, "What Really Happens Inside American Immigration Facilities and Detention Centers," 14 Jan. 2019 That conversation rarely veered from the topic of MacKenzie’s writing. — Kate Storey, Town & Country, "Who Will Get the First MacKenzie Bezos Interview?," 10 Jan. 2019 In the span of four decades, Kathryn M. Ireland has worked on the homes of some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities, written several books, and starred in the hit Bravo TV show Million Dollar Decorators. — Christina Pérez, House Beautiful, "The Crazy Story About How Steve Martin Inspired Kathryn M. Ireland To Become A Designer," 10 Jan. 2019 Miami Condo Investments writes that each of the condos features a wraparound terrace, floor-to-ceiling windows, up to 8,000 square feet, and amenities like an in-house spa, fitness center, beach club, and more. — Taylor Mead, House Beautiful, "Kanye West Surprised Kim Kardashian With A Miami Condo For Christmas," 29 Dec. 2018 Access to birth control increased under the Obama administration, but the Trump White House is writing new regulations that could limit availability. — Sarah Kliff, Vox, "The American abortion rate is at an all-time low," 3 Dec. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'write.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.