First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1author
noun au·thor \ˈȯ-thər\
: a person who has written something; especially : a person who has written a book or who writes many books
: a person who starts or creates something (such as a plan or idea)
Full Definition of AUTHOR
1
2
: the writer of a literary work (as a book)
— au·tho·ri·al \ȯ-ˈthȯr-ē-əl\ adjective
See author defined for English-language learners
See author defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of AUTHOR
Middle English auctour, from Anglo-French auctor, autor, from Latin auctor promoter, originator, author, from augēre to increase — more at eke
Related to AUTHOR
- Synonyms
- litterateur (or littérateur), pen, penman, scribe, scrivener, writer, man of letters, woman of letters
- Antonyms
- nonauthor
Other Literature Terms
2author
verb
: to be the author of (something, such as a book)
Full Definition of AUTHOR
transitive verb
: to be the author of : write <has authored several books>
See author defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of AUTHOR
1596
Related to AUTHOR
- Synonyms
- write, pen, scratch (out), scribble
Other Literature Terms
AUTHORIAL Defined for Kids
author
noun au·thor \ˈȯ-thər\
Definition of AUTHOR for Kids
: a person who writes something (as a novel)
Learn More About AUTHOR
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: author catalogPrevious Word in the Dictionary: authigenicAll Words Near: author
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up author? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).