edit

¹ American  

[ed-it] / ˈɛd ɪt /

verb (used with object)

1. to supervise or direct the preparation of (a newspaper, magazine, book, etc.); serve as editor of; direct the editorial policies of.

2. to collect, prepare, and arrange (materials) for publication.

3. to revise or correct, as a manuscript.

4. to expunge; eliminate (often followed byout ).

   The author has edited out all references to his own family.

5. to add (usually followed byin ).

6. to prepare (motion-picture film, video or magnetic tape) by deleting, arranging, and splicing, by synchronizing the sound record with the film, etc.

7. Genetics. to alter the arrangement of (genes).

8. Computers. to modify or add to (data or text).

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noun

1. an instance of or the work of editing.

   automated machinery that allows a rapid edit of incoming news.

edit. ² American  

abbreviation

1. edited.

2. edition.

3. editor.

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edit British  

/ ˈɛdɪt /

verb

1. to prepare (text) for publication by checking and improving its accuracy, clarity, etc

2. to be in charge of (a publication, esp a periodical)

   he edits the local newspaper

3. to prepare (a film, tape, etc) by rearrangement, selection, or rejection of previously filmed or taped material

4. (tr) to modify (a computer file) by, for example, deleting, inserting, moving, or copying text

5. (often foll by out) to remove (incorrect or unwanted matter), as from a manuscript or film

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noun

1. informal an act of editing

   give the book a final edit

Other Word Forms

• misedit verb (used with object)
• overedit verb
• reedit verb (used with object)
• unedited adjective
• well-edited adjective

Etymology

Origin of edit

First recorded in 1785–95; 1915–20 edit for def. 6; partly back formation from editor, partly from French éditer, verb derivative of Latin ēditus “published, given out,” past participle of ēdere “to give out,” from ē- e- ¹ + -dere, combining form of dare “to give” ( datum )

Example Sentences

Ms. Ballard told a Journal reporter that she “did not personally use AI” while writing “Shy Girl,” but an acquaintance she hired to edit the original, self-published edition did.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Investors can pause, stop or edit the workflow of the agent at any time, Public executives said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Ridings, who has dyslexia, says her mum often helps her write down and edit her "stream of consciousness" lyrics.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

The legislation would require the parent or other relative to delete or edit the content within 10 business days of receiving the notification.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

“We have to write the script, invite people to be on the video, interview and film them, edit the videos, and prepare for the school event. Hmmm, how about the beginning of November?”

From "Finding Junie Kim" by Ellen Oh

Related Words

• adapt
• alter
• analyze
• annotate
• arrange
• assemble
• censor
• choose
• compile
• compose
• delete
• prepare
• publish
• rearrange
• revise
• select