writer
Americannoun
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a person engaged in writing books, articles, stories, etc., especially as an occupation or profession; an author or journalist.
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a clerk, scribe, or the like.
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a person who commits their thoughts, ideas, etc., to writing.
She's an expert letter writer.
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(in a piece of writing) the author (used as a circumlocution for “I,” “me,” “my,” etc.).
The writer wishes to state….
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a person who writes or is able to write.
a writer in script.
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Stock Exchange. someone who sells options.
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Scot. a lawyer or solicitor.
noun
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a person who writes books, articles, etc, esp as an occupation
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the person who has written something specified
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a person who is able to write or write well
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a scribe or clerk
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a composer of music
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a legal practitioner, such as a notary or solicitor
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(in Scotland) a member of an ancient society of solicitors, now having the exclusive privilege of preparing crown writs
Etymology
Origin of writer
First recorded before 900; Middle English, Old English wrītere; see origin at write, -er 1
Vocabulary lists containing writer
Common Core Grades 9–10, List 2
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Common Core Grades 11–12, List 1
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Foundational Reading
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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 writer sat down with AFP in Panama, where she is attending the Centroamerica Cuenta literary festival.
From Barron's • May 21, 2026
She won’t have to wait that long for her lead turn as the misanthropic romance writer fighting for humanity in ‘Pluribus.’
From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026
A statue commemorating actor and writer Terry Jones has been vandalised just weeks after being unveiled.
From BBC • May 20, 2026
Such is the dedication of a writer who made it her “mission” to tell the story of Bradley’s life and work.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026
But she shared some of them with her friends and family, and she sent a whole bunch to a writer named Thomas Wentworth Higginson, who mentored her.
From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.