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

Biden authorized the Ukrainian military to use long-range American-made missiles against Russia last weekend, responding to Russia deploying North Korean soldiers to the battlefield in its ongoing war effort.

From Salon

And who could forget “the Pan,” described by the author as “a repulsive and unsatisfactory arrangement that was to be alternately praised … and abhorred” by 18th-century sanitarians?

From New York Times

"Congress will still decide whether authorized or unauthorized programs get funding," Smetters said.

From Salon

Policies for poverty alleviation -- such as the proposed refundable child tax credit in Illinois, House Bill 4917, if passed -- have demonstrated improvement in maternal health, the study authors said.

From Science Daily

"We spend a lot of time wondering, 'What is that person feeling, thinking? Did I say something to upset them?'" said senior author Rodrigo Braga.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• code
• program
• write