write-up

American  

[rahyt-uhp] / ˈraɪtˌʌp /

noun

1. a written description or account, as in a newspaper or magazine.

   The play got a terrible write-up.

2. Accounting. an increase in the book value of a corporation that is not warranted by the true assets of the corporation.

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write up British  

verb

1. to describe fully, complete, or bring up to date in writing

   write up a diary

2. to praise or bring to public notice in writing

3. accounting

   1. to place an excessively high value on (an asset)

   2. to increase the book value of (an asset) in order to reflect more accurately its current worth in the market

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noun

1. a published account of something, such as a review in a newspaper or magazine

2. accounting

   1. an excessive or illegally high valuation of corporate assets

   2. a raising of the book value of an asset

write up Idioms  

1. Write a report or description, as for publication, as in She's been writing up these local concerts for years . [Early 1400s]

2. Overvalue an asset, as in That accountant is always writing up our equipment, forgetting depreciation .

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Etymology

Origin of write-up

1880–85, noun use of verb phrase write up

Example Sentences

When a promotion is at stake, a professor is often inclined to soften his marks for fear of a bad write-up.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 23, 2025

In her most recent equity-income strategy write-up, Harrington noted that she expects Kimberly-Clark’s recent focus on streamlining to boost the company’s margins and support low- to mid-single-digit dividend growth.

From Barron's • Oct. 16, 2025

The write-up described "laughter and lively conversation" with members reminiscing "about the good times while planning their future BM escapades".

From BBC • May 7, 2025

Smith’s potential run earned a write-up from the New Yorker last weekend, weeks after a poll showed the “First Take” commentator capturing a shocking slice of Democratic voters in a hypothetical 2028 race.

From Salon • Feb. 22, 2025

“Did I make it? Did my write-up get in the paper?”

From Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles