Meaning & Definition
noun
A person who creates or originates a work, especially a literary, artistic, or scholarly work.
The author of the bestselling novel was awarded the prestigious literary prize.
One who gives rise to or causes something.
She is the author of numerous innovations in the field of technology.
The person who writes a document or piece of writing.
The report did not mention the author of the research study.
In legal terms, a person who creates contract documents.
The author of the agreement must ensure all parties receive a copy.
A person responsible for a specific action, event, or effect.
He is the author of his own success through hard work and determination.
Etymology
From Middle English 'author', from Latin 'auctor', meaning creator or leader.
Common Phrases and Expressions
ghostwriter:
A writer who is hired to write for someone else who is credited as the author.
best-selling author:
An author whose book or books sell in high quantities.
co-author:
A person who collaborates with another writer on a book or paper.
Slang Meanings
Wordsmith
He's a real wordsmith when it comes to crafting dialogue.
Book slinger
After publishing three novels, she's become quite the book slinger in town.