authorship

[ aw-ther-ship ]

noun

1. origin, especially with reference to an author, creator, producer, etc., of a work:

   establishing the authorship of early medieval manuscripts.

2. the occupation or career of writing books, articles, etc.

authorship

/ ˈɔːθəˌʃɪp /

noun

1. the origin or originator of a written work, plan, etc

   a book of unknown authorship

2. the profession of writing books

Word History and Origins

Origin of authorship¹

First recorded in 1700–10; author + -ship

Example Sentences

If a writer gets an assist from a machine, can he legitimately claim authorship?

From Los Angeles Times

She suspects the hundreds of conference papers were all generated by a paper mill—an organization that sells authorship on fake papers to researchers desperate to boost their list of publications.

From Science Magazine

But after experts at the Prado voiced their suspicions about the painting's true authorship, the Spanish culture ministry stepped in to block its sale.

From BBC

“It’s the same as paper mills that sell authorship.”

From Science Magazine

They’re approachable and engaging, and while she’s working within the recognizable parameters of the classic art film — her stories are elliptical, her authorship unambiguous — there’s nothing programmatic about her work.

From New York Times