edit

1 of 2

verb

ed·​it ˈe-dət 

edited; editing; edits

transitive verb

1

a

: to prepare (something, such as literary material) for publication or public presentation

edit a manuscript

b

: to assemble (something, such as a moving picture or tape recording) by cutting and rearranging

edit a film

c

: to alter, adapt, or refine especially to bring about conformity to a standard or to suit a particular purpose

carefully edited the speech

edit a data file

2

: to direct the publication of

edits the daily newspaper

3

: delete

—usually used with out

4

: to modify a gene or gene product of by inserting, deleting, or replacing DNA sequences

The first work attempting to edit human embryos grabbed headlines last week.

—Penny Sarchet and Michael Le Page

see gene editing

editable

ˈe-də-tə-bəl 

adjective

edit

2 of 2

noun

: an instance or result of editing

Synonyms

Verb

• redraft
• revamp
• revise
• rework

Examples of edit in a Sentence

Verb

This chapter needs to be edited.

The book was poorly edited.

The stories have been edited for a younger audience.

Students learn to edit their essays for grammar and punctuation.

The software allows you to edit videos on your computer.

This film has been edited for television.

an anthology of ancient poetry edited by a local professor

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

This conversation has been edited for length, clarity and continuity. —Megan Poinski, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

Disney declined comment on the nature of the specific storyline that was cut or how much was edited or removed, but confirmed its removal. —Brian Welk, IndieWire, 17 Dec. 2024

Noun

The two earlier transplant patients, meanwhile, had each received pig kidneys with just one genetic edit. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Dec. 2024

That was another example of when things change in the edit. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

back-formation from editor

First Known Use

Verb

1704, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1917, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing edit

• co-edit
• copy edit
• edit oneself
• edit out

Kids Definition

edit

verb

ed·​it

ˈed-ət

1

a

: to correct, revise, and prepare for publication

edit a book of poems

b

: to assemble (as a film or tape recording) by cutting and rearranging

2

: to direct the publication of

edit a daily newspaper