author

[ aw-ther ]

noun

1. a person who writes a novel, poem, essay, etc.; the composer of a literary work, as distinguished from a compiler, translator, editor, or copyist.
2. the literary production or productions of a writer:

   to find a passage in an author.

3. the maker of anything; creator; originator:

   the author of a new tax plan.

4. Computers. the writer of a software program, especially a hypertext or multimedia application.

verb (used with object)

1. to write; be the author of:

   He authored a history of the Civil War.

2. to originate; create a design for:

   She authored a new system for teaching chemistry.

author

/ ɔːˈθɔːrɪəl; ˈɔːθə /

noun

1. a person who composes a book, article, or other written work auctorial
2. a person who writes books as a profession; writer
3. the writings of such a person

   reviewing a postwar author

4. an originator or creator

   the author of this plan

verb

1. to write or originate

Derived Forms

• authorial, adjective

Other Words From

• au·tho·ri·al [aw-, thawr, -ee-, uh, l, aw-, thohr, -], adjective
• author·less adjective
• multi·authored adjective
• pro·author adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of author¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English auct(h)or, from Latin auctor “founder, originator, writer,” equivalent to aug(ēre) “to increase” ( augment ) + -tor -tor; replacing Middle English auto(u)r, from Anglo-French; Old French autor, from Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of author¹

C14: from Old French autor, from Latin auctor author, from augēre to increase

Example Sentences

Elements of that assessment were echoed by the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, now-retired Gen. Mark Milley, who told Watergate journalist and author Bob Woodward that he considered Trump “fascist to the core.”

From Los Angeles Times

Zoë Schiffer, a tech journalist and the author of Extremely Hardcore: Inside Elon Musk’s Twitter, told me that such acts would be especially appealing to Musk.

From Slate

Melvin is also the author of “Pops,” a memoir about his relationship with his father who overcame addictions to alcohol and gambling.

From Los Angeles Times

It was created by children’s book author Zachariah OHora, who says the inspiration came from watching his own children and their interactions with their peers.

From Los Angeles Times

Jen Senko is an documentary filmmaker, activist and author.

From Salon

Related Words

• code
• program
• write