author

[ aw-ther ]

noun

1. a person who writes a novel, poem, essay, etc.; the composer of a literary work, as distinguished from a compiler, translator, editor, or copyist.
2. the literary production or productions of a writer:

   to find a passage in an author.

3. the maker of anything; creator; originator:

   the author of a new tax plan.

4. Computers. the writer of a software program, especially a hypertext or multimedia application.

verb (used with object)

1. to write; be the author of:

   He authored a history of the Civil War.

2. to originate; create a design for:

   She authored a new system for teaching chemistry.

author

/ ɔːˈθɔːrɪəl; ˈɔːθə /

noun

1. a person who composes a book, article, or other written work auctorial
2. a person who writes books as a profession; writer
3. the writings of such a person

   reviewing a postwar author

4. an originator or creator

   the author of this plan

verb

1. to write or originate

Derived Forms

• authorial, adjective

Other Words From

• au·tho·ri·al [aw-, thawr, -ee-, uh, l, aw-, thohr, -], adjective
• author·less adjective
• multi·authored adjective
• pro·author adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of author¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English auct(h)or, from Latin auctor “founder, originator, writer,” equivalent to aug(ēre) “to increase” ( augment ) + -tor -tor; replacing Middle English auto(u)r, from Anglo-French; Old French autor, from Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of author¹

C14: from Old French autor, from Latin auctor author, from augēre to increase

Example Sentences

The Amazon biography for an author named Papa Faal mentions both Gambia and lists a military record that matches the FBI report.

From The Daily Beast

Author J.K. Rowling says all religions are present at her beloved wizard school—except Wiccans.

From The Daily Beast

E.J. Graff, senior fellow at the Schuster Institute for Investigative Journalism, is the author of What Is Marriage For?

From The Daily Beast

Most of us have an unhealthy relationship with anger, writes author and psychologist Andrea Brandt.

From The Daily Beast

I resisted it, though I was immediately told by someone in the group that the author reminded him of me.

From The Daily Beast

Louis Petit de Bachaumon died; a native of Paris, known as the author of several literary works.

From Project Gutenberg

William Hewson died; an eminent English anatomist, and medical author.

From Project Gutenberg

Philip Limborch died; a Dutch professor of divinity, and author of a history of the inquisition.

From Project Gutenberg

He was learned, benevolent and pious, and author of several religious works.

From Project Gutenberg

He was the author of many learned theological works and controversial publications.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• code
• program
• write