author

American  

[aw-ther] / ˈɔ θər /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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verb

1. to write or originate

Other Word Forms

• authorial adjective
• authorless adjective
• multiauthored adjective
• proauthor adjective

Etymology

Origin of author

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

Example Sentences

"Maintaining a healthy diet in today's food environment requires constant effort and self-control," said lead author Charlotte Hagerman, PhD, of the Oregon Research Institute.

From Science Daily

Canadian author Jack Jedwab wrote in French language newspaper La Presse that Rousseau's lack of French knowledge sends a message to Air Canada employees that "bilingualism is a constraint, not a value".

From BBC

The company said in November that its board had authorized a $500 million stock buyback, looking to offset a part of the share dilution from its stock-based compensation plans.

From The Wall Street Journal

The narrator’s mishandling of his cellphone reprises the author’s delightful affinity for physical slapstick.

From The Wall Street Journal

Tom Nolan notes that the author “interweaves her endearing characters’ voices in wonderful ways” in her arresting debut work.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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