Definition of write
wrote
play \ˈrōt\;written
play \ˈri-tən\ alsowrit
play \ˈrit\ or dialectalwrote
;writing
play \ˈrī-tiŋ\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 namec : to spell in writing words written alike but pronounced differentlyd : to cover, fill, or fill in by writing wrote ten pages write a check
2 : to set down in writing: such asa : draw up, draft write a willb (1) : to be the author of : compose writes poems and essays (2) : to compose in musical form write a string quartetc : to express in literary form if I could write the beauty of your eyes — William Shakespeared : to communicate by letter writes that they are cominge : to use or exhibit (a specific script, language, or literary form or style) in writing write Braille writes French with easef : 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
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)
write one's own ticket
writ large
writ small
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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 of write from the Web
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Around 300 people attended the convention: most were locals, due to the minimal advertising, writes the Library of Congress.
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Shelly Yang The Kansas City Star The Star’s editorial board, meanwhile, writes that Republicans should abandon their efforts to repeal the ACA.
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Running also arranged the brass transcriptions written specifically for the tour.
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But reflecting on his dismissal, Ranieri writes with characteristic class: 'In February, not long after I was let go, there was a ring at our door.
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The student must write a letter of apology to Sembdner and the two must not have contact.
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In terms of content, The Vietnam War, written by the historian Geoffrey C. Ward and narrated by Peter Coyote, is rich, revelatory, and scrupulously evenhanded.
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In 2002 an unknown source sent a tape to Jim DeRogatis, the then-music critic at the Chicago Sun-Times who also wrote the most recent BuzzFeed report.
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More women could also write more movie scripts that pass the test and sell them.
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.
Origin and Etymology of write
Middle English, from Old English wrītan to scratch, draw, inscribe; akin to Old High German rīzan to tear and perhaps to Greek rhinē file, rasp
WRITE Defined for English Language Learners
write
playDefinition of write for English Language Learners
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: to form letters or numbers on a surface with a pen, pencil, etc.
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: to create (a book, poem, story, etc.) by writing words on paper, on a computer, etc.
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: to produce (a written document, agreement, rule, etc.) by writing
WRITE Defined for Kids
write
playDefinition of write for Students
wrote
\ˈrōt\;written
\ˈri-tən\;writing
\ˈrī-tiŋ\1 : to form letters or words with pen or pencil The kindergartners are learning to write.
2 : to form the letters or the words of (as on paper) Write your name.
3 : to put down on paper For homework, write about your vacation.
4 : to make up and set down for others to read I'm writing a novel.
5 : to compose music
6 : to communicate with someone by sending a letter
Learn More about write
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for write Spanish Central: Translation of write Nglish: Translation of write for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of write for Arabic speakers
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