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

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

Other Word Forms

• authorial adjective
• authorless adjective
• multiauthored adjective
• proauthor 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 author took to social media Monday to share a lengthy post slamming Emma Watson, who on a podcast recently addressed her own feelings about their rift.

From Los Angeles Times

The bill was introduced this year after Newsom vetoed a broader bill last year, which was also authored by Wiener.

From Los Angeles Times

First, he posted that he had authorized federal troops to protect what he dubbed “War ravaged Portland” with “Full Force, if necessary.”

From Salon

We asked the authors of five novels set in and around Los Angeles why they chose that setting — and where they like to hang out around L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

Common signs are an excessive need for attention and reassurance, according to psychologist and author Suzy Reading.

From BBC

Related Words

• biographer 
• columnist 
• composer 
• creator 
• journalist 
• poet 
• producer 
• reporter 
• writer