auteur

noun

au·​teur ō-ˈtu̇r 

-ˈtər

1

: a film director whose practice accords with the auteur theory

broadly : director sense c

2

: an artist (such as a musician or writer) whose style and practice are distinctive

auteurist

ō-ˈtər-ist 

adjective or noun

Examples of auteur in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Paul Mescal has worked with auteurs and iconic actors alike, but the star is now revealing one of the first future co-stars he was truly starstruck by: Josh O’Connor. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 2 May 2025

Consider the case of another Black auteur working in the horror space, Jordan Peele. —Nate Jones, Vulture, 1 May 2025

However, any misfire, especially one from an auteur, can last a lifetime, particularly now with streaming and FAST channels in need of content, not to mention in the endless film studies conversations at universities around the world. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 30 Apr. 2025

German auteur Maren Ade will take the helm as president of the short films and La Cinef Jury at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, originator, author, from Old French autor, from Latin auctor — more at author

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing auteur

• auteur theory

Rhymes for auteur

• amour
• grandeur
• hauteur
• velour
• verdure
• voyeur
• doer
• poor
• poore
• raconteur