author

1 of 2

noun

au·​thor ˈȯ-thər How to pronounce author (audio)
1
: the writer of a literary work (such as a book)
a famous author
2
a
: one that originates or creates something : source
software authors
film authors
the author of this crime
b
capitalized : god sense 1
authorial adjective

author

2 of 2

verb

authored; authoring; authors

transitive verb

: to be the author of : write
a writer who has authored several bestsellers

Examples of author in a Sentence

Noun The author of the article didn't check his facts. I enjoyed the book, but I can't remember the name of the author. She is the author of a plan for reforming the school system. Verb authored a new biography of Thomas Jefferson
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Chloe is also the creator and author of the weekly newsletter Fresh Take. Chloe Sorvino, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024 Sheen was with cast members Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack, authors of the recently published What’s Next: A Backstage Pass to The West Wing, Its Cast And Crew And Its Enduring Legacy Of Service. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 13 Sep. 2024
Verb
Project 2025, a package of policy proposals authored by people closely tied to Trump’s 2024 presidential bid – but that the campaign has sought to disavow – calls for cuts in federal spending that helps fund universal free school meal programs. Juliana Cohen, The Conversation, 12 Sep. 2024 Seven bills authored by Assemblymember Alex Lee are headed to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk after being passed by the state Legislature. Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for author 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'author.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English autour, auctour, actour "originator, creator, authoritative source, writer," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French auctur, auttour, actour "originator, creator, instigator, party, authority, writer," borrowed from Latin auctōr-, auctor "principal in a sale, person entitled to take action or authorize, authoritative writer, originator, creator, agent, founder," from augēre "to increase" + -tor, agent suffix — more at eke entry 2

Note: Variants with medial -th-, as aucthour, authour, etc., become current in the sixteenth century and lead to spelling pronunciations with [θ] in the seventeenth century. The spellings are presumed to reflect association with authentic and its Latin and Greek sources, as author in the sense "the first beginner and mover of anything," as Samuel Johnson put it, is the ultimate guarantor of authenticity.

Verb

derivative of author entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Verb

1597, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of author was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near author

Cite this Entry

“Author.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/author. Accessed 20 Sep. 2024.

Kids Definition

author

noun
au·​thor
ˈȯ-thər
1
: a person who creates a written work : writer
2
: one that starts or creates
author of a plan for education
author verb

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