write

verb

ˈrīt 

wrote ˈrōt  ; written ˈri-tᵊn  also writ ˈrit  or dialectal wrote; writing ˈrī-tiŋ 

transitive verb

1

a

: to form (characters, symbols, etc.) on a surface with an instrument (such as a pen)

b

: to form (words) by inscribing characters or symbols on a surface

write one's name

c

: to spell in writing

words written alike but pronounced differently

d

: to cover, fill, or fill in by writing

wrote ten pages

write a check

2

: to set down in writing: such as

a

: draw up, draft

write a will

b(1)

: to be the author of : compose

writes poems and essays

(2)

: to compose in musical form

write a string quartet

c

: to express in literary form

if I could write the beauty of your eyes

—William Shakespeare

d

: to communicate by letter

writes that they are coming

e

: to use or exhibit (a specific script, language, or literary form or style) in writing

write braille

writes French with ease

f

: to write contracts or orders for

especially : underwrite

write life insurance

3

: to make a permanent impression of

4

: to communicate with in writing

we'll write you when we get there

5

: ordain, fate

so be it, it is written

—D. C. Peattie

6

: to make evident or obvious

guilt written on his face

7

: to force, effect, introduce, or remove by writing

write oneself into fame and fortune

—Charles Lee

8

: to take part in or bring about (something worth recording)

9

a

: to introduce (information) into the storage device or medium of a computer

b

: to transfer (information) from the main memory of a computer to a storage or output device

10

: sell

write a stock option

intransitive verb

1

a

: to make significant characters or inscriptions

also : to permit or be adapted to writing

b

: to form or produce written letters, words, or sentences

2

: to compose, communicate by, or send a letter

3

a

: to produce a written work

b

: to compose music

Phrases

write one's own ticket

: to select a course of action or position entirely according to one's wishes

writ large

: on a larger scale or in a more prominent manner

the problems of modern totalitarianism are only our own problems writ large

—The Times Literary Supplement (London)

writ small

: on a smaller scale

Synonyms

• author
• pen
• scratch (out)
• scribble

Examples of write in a Sentence

children learning to read and write

I don't have anything to write with. Could I borrow a pen?

Please write your name at the top of each sheet.

Write the number as a decimal instead of as a fraction.

She wrote “tag sale” on the sign in big letters.

The note was written in blue ink.

I mistakenly wrote her name as “Gene” instead of “Jean.”

She wrote hundreds of poems during her lifetime.

She wrote an essay comparing two poems.

I'm writing an article for the school newspaper.

Recent Examples on the Web

Election denialism could spark violence after a close race, the Editorial Board writes. —Defne Karabatur, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024

Peaky Blinders creator and Spencer screenwriter Steven Knight wrote the script for Maria prior to 2023's Hollywood WGA strike, allowing for the movie to begin filming soon after that strike ended in September. —Charna Flam, People.com, 24 Oct. 2024

Too many families, Murthy wrote, are beset by economic factors beyond their control, including the costs of health care, child care, elder care, housing, and groceries. —Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2024

Now the Pattersons write songs and make videos on their lunch breaks. —Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English wrītan to scratch, draw, inscribe; akin to Old High German rīzan to tear and perhaps to Greek rhinē file, rasp

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing write

• co-write
• nothing to write home about
• write back
• write down
• write in
• write into
• write off
• write off for (something)
• write out
• write (someone) out of
• write up

Kids Definition

write

verb

ˈrīt 

wrote ˈrōt  ; written ˈrit-ᵊn  also writ ˈrit  ; writing ˈrīt-iŋ 

1

: to form letters or words on a surface with an instrument (as a pen or pencil)

learn to read and write

2

: to form the letters or the words of (as on paper)

write your name

write a check

3

: to spell in writing

words written alike but pronounced differently

4

: to express in writing

write what you felt about the experience

5

a

: to make up and set down for others to read

write a book

b

: to compose music

6

: to write a letter to

write your senator

7

: to communicate by letter

writes that they are coming

8

: to transfer information in a computer to a storage area or output device