essay
noun
a short literary composition on a particular theme or subject, usually in prose and generally analytic, speculative, or interpretative.
essays
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pluralof essay.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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present tense formof essay (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
essaynouna short literary composition on a particular theme or subject, usually in prose and generally analytic, speculative, or interpretative.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The justices have been writing essays about the problem for a decade while the seizures continue.
From Slate ● Jul. 28, 2026
Even if you did not like the political observations of some of those magazines, essays, critiques, poetry or whatever was in ther, these are feelings from the people, and they’re protected under the First Amendment.
From Salon ● Jul. 20, 2026
We've all been there: putting off certain tasks then being left with essays up to the wire, loads of messages unread and that bedroom sort-out that just never happens.
From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026
One 2025 MIT study went viral for its finding that students using generative AI to write essays displayed less critical thinking capability.
From Barron's ● Jul. 15, 2026
I read the New Testament, once quickly, then a second time more slowly, pausing to make notes, to cross-reference, and even to write short essays on doctrines like faith and sacrifice.
From "Educated" by Tara Westover
