written

American  

[rit-n] / ˈrɪt n /

verb

1. a past participle of write.

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adjective

1. expressed in writing (distinguished from spoken).

written British  

/ ˈrɪtən /

verb

1. the past participle of write

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adjective

1. taken down in writing; transcribed Compare spoken

   written evidence

   the written word

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• well-written
  adjective
• half-written
  adjective
• prewritten
  adjective
• self-written
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of written

First recorded before 1000, for the adjective

Compare meaning

How does written compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• written vs. wrote

Example Sentences

Last year, the broadcaster teased a “spectacular” special episode written by showrunner Russell T Davies for the 2026 holiday.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

The pope has written a remarkable document about the dangers of building without reckoning.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

Britain's media watchdog Ofcom said it had written to online service providers about "the increased risk of their platforms being used to stir up hatred, provoke violence and commit other offences under UK law".

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

Small groups of demonstrators, who were waving Kenyan flags, carrying placards and holding a coffin with the word "Ebola" written on the side, were demanding the plan be reversed.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

He’s written his name on a thick piece of masking tape, and right underneath it, in smaller print, he’s written, “Running for Dad.”

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

Related Words

• drafted
• penned
• recorded
• reported