auteur

noun

au·​teur ō-ˈtu̇r How to pronounce auteur (audio)
-ˈtər
Synonyms of auteurnext
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 How to pronounce auteur (audio)
adjective or noun

Examples of auteur in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The acquisition also extends mk2 Films’ long-running relationships with auteurs around the world. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026 Restaurant owners and auteurs have come to rely on her small business, Union Stitch & Design, for customizable aprons that look neat and can withstand the heat and messes of the kitchen. — Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 7 Oct. 2026 Fashion’s relationship with art is a conundrum that’s plagued the minds of some of its greatest auteurs. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 3 Oct. 2026 There were online comments galore about Paul Thomas Anderson and Benny Safdie sightings at Cameron Winter‘s show at Carnegie Hall last December, and how both of these name-brand auteurs were running around with Panavision rigs on their shoulders. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for auteur

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of auteur was in 1962

Phrases Containing auteur

Rhymes for auteur

See All Rhymes for auteur

Browse Nearby Words

Auteuil
auteur
auteurism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Auteur.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/auteur. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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