First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
write
verb \ˈrīt\
: to form letters or numbers on a surface with a pen, pencil, etc.
: to create (a book, poem, story, etc.) by writing words on paper, on a computer, etc.
: to produce (a written document, agreement, rule, etc.) by writing
wrote \ˈrōt\ writ·ten \ˈri-tən\ also writ \ˈrit\ or dial wrotewrit·ing \ˈrī-tiŋ\
Full Definition of WRITE
transitive verb
1
a : to form (as characters or symbols) on a surface with an instrument (as a pen) b : to form (as words) by inscribing the characters or symbols of on a surface c : to spell in writing <words written alike but pronounced differently> d : to cover, fill, or fill in by writing <wrote ten pages> <write a check>
2
: to set down in writing: as a : draw up, draft <write a will> b (1) : to be the author of : compose <writes poems and essays> (2) : to compose in musical form <write a string quartet> c : to express in literary form <if I could write the beauty of your eyes — Shakespeare> d : to communicate by letter <writes that they are coming> e : to use or exhibit (a specific script, language, or literary form or style) in writing <write Braille> <writes French with ease> f : to write contracts or orders for; especially : underwrite <write life insurance>
3
: to make a permanent impression of
4
: to communicate with in writing <we'll write you when we get there>
6
: to make evident or obvious <guilt written on his face>
7
: to force, effect, introduce, or remove by writing <write oneself into fame and fortune — Charles Lee>
8
: to take part in or bring about (something worth recording)
9
a : to introduce (information) into the storage device or medium of a computer b : to transfer (information) from the main memory of a computer to a storage or output device
10
: sell <write a stock option>
intransitive verb
1
a : to make significant characters or inscriptions; also : to permit or be adapted to writing b : to form or produce written letters, words, or sentences
2
: to compose, communicate by, or send a letter
3
a : to produce a written work b : to compose music
— write one's own ticket
: to select a course of action or position entirely according to one's wishes
— writ large
: on a larger scale or in a more prominent manner <the problems of modern totalitarianism are only our own problems writ large — Times Literary Supplement>
— writ small
: on a smaller scale
See write defined for English-language learners
See write defined for kids
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Origin of WRITE
Middle English, from Old English wrītan to scratch, draw, inscribe; akin to Old High German rīzan to tear and perhaps to Greek rhinē file, rasp
Related to WRITE
- Synonyms
- author, pen, scratch (out), scribble
WRITTEN Defined for Kids
write
verb \ˈrīt\
wrote \ˈrōt\writ·ten \ˈri-tən\writ·ing \ˈrī-tiŋ\
Definition of WRITE for Kids
1
: to form letters or words with pen or pencil <The kindergartners are learning to write.>
2
: to form the letters or the words of (as on paper) <Write your name.>
3
: to put down on paper <For homework, write about your vacation.>
4
: to make up and set down for others to read <I'm writing a novel.>
5
: to compose music
6
: to communicate with someone by sending a letter
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