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.
As for “The Way of the World,” writer Herb Powell says lovingly, “I can listen to it and just feel my heart chakra just open up.”
From Salon • Jun. 7, 2026
Gary Rivlin is a writer in New York and author of “AI Valley.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026
Staff writer Cerys Davies contributed to this report.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026
"People believe they know where it's going but we can promise them it doesn't go where you think. The writer is much better than that," says Walker.
From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026
It even attracted the young, depressive Franz Kafka, soon to be a great writer, now aimlessly wandering around Europe.
From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day
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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.