plural authors
1
: a person who has written something
The author of the article didn't check his facts.
especially
: a person who has written a book or who writes many books
I enjoyed the book, but I can't remember the name of the/its author.
a best-selling author [=writer]
2
: a person who starts or creates something (such as a plan or idea)
She is the author of a plan for reforming the school system.
authors; authored; authoring
: to be the author of (something, such as a book)
He has authored [=written] several best-selling novels.
She authored [=wrote] several articles for the magazine.
Cite this Entry
“Author.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/author. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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