authoress

[ aw-ther-is ]

noun

1. a woman who is an author.

authoress

/ ˈɔːθəˌrɛs /

noun

1. old-fashioned.
   a female author

Usage

Gender-neutral form: author

Gender Note

What's the difference between authoress and author? See -ess.

Word History and Origins

Origin of authoress¹

First recorded in 1485–95; author + -ess

Example Sentences

They published under their own names at a time when English “authoresses” were expected to hide behind gender-ambiguous pseudonyms or remain anonymous.

From Washington Post

‘All is sweet, pure, and healthy.’” continued the perplexed authoress.

From Literature

Imitation is the sincerest form of Flannery as a new “American Masters” recalls the life and times of beloved authoress Flannery O’Connor.

From Los Angeles Times

Midler went on a multicity book tour, sporting special hats that she commissioned to celebrate her new life as “an authoress.”

From The New Yorker

Fortunately for the impatient authoress, she was repeatedly sent as a child to the Continent, where governesses taught her French, German, and Italian.

From The New Yorker