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

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 After the Vogue interview, ThirdLove took out a full-page ad in The New York Times, writing an open letter to Victoria's Secret, responding not only to Razek's comments about curvy and trans models, but also to his apparent jab at the brand. — Halie Lesavage, Glamour, "Body-Positive Influencers Respond to the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show With Their Own Lingerie Photos," 3 Dec. 2018 So instead of writing a lonely letter, ask some equally disgruntled colleagues to join you in requesting a meeting. — Marie G. Mcintyre, The Seattle Times, "Struggling in the chaotic, stressful health-care workplace," 21 Nov. 2018 In addition to writing about architecture, Kate has worked extensively as a sound engineer. — Kate Wagner, Curbed, "Building houses that grow with us," 14 Nov. 2018 The lip kit features Kylie Cosmetics' Kris x Kylie packaging, complete with a cute cartoon of Kris and her autograph written right over Kylie's logo. — Leah Prinzivalli, Allure, "Kylie Jenner Is Releasing a Todd Kraines Lip Kit for Old-School KUWTK Fans," 9 Nov. 2018 In this Tuesday, July 10, 2018 photo, Chip Paul, who helped write the medical marijuana state question and push for its passage, answers a question for a reporter before a meeting of the Oklahoma Board of Health in Oklahoma City. — Washington Post, "Conservative states balk at voter-approved medical marijuana," 13 July 2018 In December Natalia Viana, who founded Agência Pública seven years ago with a group of other women, gathered her staff to write the outlet’s first business plan. — The Economist, "Latin America’s new media are growing up," 14 July 2018 We're caught in this bad equilibrium where everybody has to write clickbait stuff. — Emily Dreyfuss, WIRED, "Judd Legum Wants to Fix News With a Newsletter," 12 July 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.