author

[ aw-ther ]

/ ˈɔ θər /

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See synonyms for: author / authored / authoring on Thesaurus.com

noun

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

the literary production or productions of a writer: to find a passage in an author.

the maker of anything; creator; originator: the author of a new tax plan.

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

verb (used with object)

to write; be the author of: He authored a history of the Civil War.

to originate; create a design for: She authored a new system for teaching chemistry.

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Question 1 of 7

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of author

1250–1300; earlier auct(h)or<Latin auctor writer, progenitor, equivalent to aug(ēre) to increase, augment + -tor-tor; replacing Middle English auto(u)r<Anglo-French, for Old French autor<Latin, as above

OTHER WORDS FROM author

au·tho·ri·al

[aw-thawr-ee-uhl, aw-thohr-], /ɔˈθɔr i əl, ɔˈθoʊr-/, adjectiveau·thor·less, adjectivemul·ti·au·thored, adjectivepro·au·thor, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use author in a sentence

To Nik Sharma, author of the gorgeous new book “The Flavor Equation,” it comes down to one thing.
How to make dal makhani, the most luxurious and creamy dal of all|Joe Yonan|November 20, 2020|Washington Post
The authors of the IFRC report found that such catastrophes have been rising in number since the 1960s — and that a sharp increase of 35 percent has been recorded since the 1990s.
Natural disasters are increasing. The world’s poorest are left to fend for themselves.|Jariel Arvin|November 20, 2020|Vox
In his deceptively short book, the celebrated author and essayist takes us on a tour of his “weathered mind” at age 80.
Eighty years of memories that will stir readers’ own|Connie Schultz|November 20, 2020|Washington Post
We learn a lot about what Glenn did, but we never learn why he did those things or who he was, which would be key to what the author promised to explore.
Another look at John Glenn through a heroic lens|Francis French|November 20, 2020|Washington Post

Ganeshram is executive director of the Westport Museum for History and Culture and author of a novel about Hercules Posey, “The General’s Cook.”
George Washington’s 1795 Thanksgiving celebrated liberty. But the chef behind the feast had none.|Ramin Ganeshram|November 19, 2020|Washington Post
He co-authored the amicus brief filed on behalf of 23 pro-life groups.
The Supreme Court Case Uniting Pro-Lifers & Pro-Choicers|Emily Shire|December 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
She now serves as an Associate Professor at Colorado State University and has authored several books on autism and animal science.
The Most Inspiring Bits of Temple Grandin’s Reddit AMA|Emily Shire|November 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The piece was authored by none other than Samantha Power, who now serves as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
Morgan Fairchild: Badass Foreign Policy Wonk|Asawin Suebsaeng|October 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In the 2012 survey, which Kramer co-authored, 94 percent of donors were open to contact with their offspring.
Today’s Sperm Donor Isn’t a Broke 20-Something|Stephanie Fairyington|September 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Kennan was the legendary Cold War strategist who authored the doctrine of containment.
Rand Paul Gives War a Chance|Olivia Nuzzi|August 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He later authored the first English grammar book written in America.
Hallowed Heritage: The Life of Virginia|Dorothy M. Torpey
Gramps missed none of the high drama he had authored and he gave his own familiar role everything he had.
The Big Trip Up Yonder|Kurt Vonnegut
In addition to writing an autobiography, she authored articles and a swimming instruction book for women.
Women's Bathing and Swimming Costume in the United States|Claudia B. Kidwell

British Dictionary definitions for author

author

/ (ˈɔːθə) /

noun

a person who composes a book, article, or other written workRelated adjective: auctorial

a person who writes books as a profession; writer

the writings of such a personreviewing a postwar author

an originator or creatorthe author of this plan

verb (tr)

to write or originate

Derived forms of author

authorial (ɔːˈθɔːrɪəl), adjective

Word Origin for author

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

author

Origin of author

OTHER WORDS FROM author

Words related to author

How to use author in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for author

Derived forms of author

Word Origin for author