authorship

noun

au·​thor·​ship ˈȯ-thər-ˌship How to pronounce authorship (audio)
1
: the profession of writing
2
: the source (such as the author) of a piece of writing, music, or art
3
: the state or act of writing, creating, or causing

Examples of authorship in a Sentence

His first attempt at authorship failed.
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.
First, of course, there’s the business impact — the loss of authorship, credit, and revenue from accounts farming their jokes for clicks and a quick buck. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026 Published by Oro Editions, the book spans over a decade of practice and expands upon the growing conversation around diaspora culture, sustainability and authorship in design. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 Taylor said all this, plus his authorship of a book titled American Crusade, point to a clear worldview. — Odette Yousef, NPR, 15 Oct. 2026 From here on out, the authorship of Tae-ju’s life is ambiguous, as well as constantly in flux, buffeted by the whims and suggestions of others, as well as by her own impulses. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for authorship

Word History

Etymology

author entry 1 + -ship

First Known Use

1710, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of authorship was in 1710

Phrases Containing authorship

Rhymes for authorship

See All Rhymes for authorship

Browse Nearby Words

author number
authorship
autism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

authorship

noun
au·​thor·​ship ˈȯ-thər-ˌship How to pronounce authorship (audio)
1
: writing as an occupation
2
: the origin especially of a written work
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