writing

noun

writ·​ing ˈrī-tiŋ 

1

: the act or process of one who writes: such as

a

: the act or art of forming visible letters or characters

specifically : handwriting sense 1

b

: the act or practice of literary or musical composition

2

: something written: such as

a

: letters or characters that serve as visible signs of ideas, words, or symbols

b

: a letter, note, or notice used to communicate or record

c

: a written composition

d

: inscription

3

: a style or form of composition

4

: the occupation of a writer

especially : the profession of authorship

Phrases

writing on the wall

: an omen or sign of one's unpleasant fate

No one told him he was going to be fired, but he could see the writing on the wall. [=he could see that he was going to be fired soon]

Examples of writing in a Sentence

Writing usually isn't a lucrative career, but it has been very fulfilling for me.

He teaches creative writing at the university.

Few people nowadays care about the art of letter writing.

The novel's plot is okay, but the writing is horrible.

I asked a friend to critique my writing.

Her essay was a wonderful piece of writing.

She has a unique writing style.

Much of the best Japanese writing has not been translated into English.

the writings of Benjamin Franklin

a book of selected writings on moral philosophy

Recent Examples on the Web

As of this writing and assuming a lookback date of August 1, 2024, more than 1,200 rules will roll over to the next Congress for review. —Susan E. Dudley, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

But what makes the Friends Christmas episodes stand out are the same things that make every Friends episode stand out: a great cast, superior writing, genuine humor, and serious moments. —Bob Sassone, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024

In 1715, Franklin’s money-conscious father removed his young son from the Boston grammar school that might have led to a college education and sent him to learn writing and arithmetic in preparation for a printing apprenticeship. —James Fox, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Dec. 2024

As of this writing, the GoFundMe has accumulated over 140 donations and raised over $9,500. —Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing writing

• automatic writing
• commit (something) to paper/writing
• in writing
• picture writing
• see/read the writing/handwriting on the wall
• spirit writing
• sports writing
• the writing/handwriting is on the wall
• writing desk
• writing paper

Kids Definition

writing

noun

writ·​ing

ˈrīt-iŋ

1

: the act or process of one that writes: as

a

: the formation of letters to express words and ideas : handwriting sense 1

b

: the art or practice of literary or musical composition

2

: something (as a letter or book) that is written or printed

3

: a style or form of composition

4

: the occupation of a writer