manuscript

American  

[man-yuh-skript] / ˈmæn yəˌskrɪpt /

noun

1. the original text of an author's work, handwritten or now usually typed, that is submitted to a publisher.

2. any text not printed.

3. a book or document written before the invention of printing.

4. writing, as distinguished from print.

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adjective

1. handwritten or typed, not professionally printed.

manuscript British  

/ ˈmænjʊˌskrɪpt /

noun

1. a book or other document written by hand

2. the original handwritten or typed version of a book, article, etc, as submitted by an author for publication

3. 1. handwriting, as opposed to printing

   2. ( as modifier )

      a manuscript document

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Other Word Forms

• manuscriptal adjective

Etymology

Origin of manuscript

1590–1600; < Medieval Latin manūscrīptus written by hand, equivalent to Latin manū by hand (ablative of manus ) + scrīptus written; script

Example Sentences

Lawrence, in 1924 in exchange for the manuscript of his novel “Sons and Lovers.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Their auditors carry out checks at every stage of publication including checking any changes made from manuscript to ebook edition.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026

The AGA did not play any role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

From Science Daily • Mar. 7, 2026

One anonymous peer reviewer on the manuscript had a generally positive review, but asked: How strong is this case, historically?

From Slate • Mar. 2, 2026

Such a book is simply inconceivable within a manuscript culture.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Related Words

• article
• document
• text