write

verb

wrote ˈrōt How to pronounce write (audio) ; written ˈri-tᵊn How to pronounce write (audio) also writ ˈrit How to pronounce write (audio) or dialectal wrote; writing ˈrī-tiŋ How to pronounce write (audio)

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 eyesWilliam 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 writtenD. 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 fortuneCharles 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 largeThe Times Literary Supplement (London)
writ small
: on a smaller scale

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 Early in her career, Erin worked as a prop stylist, production designer, and professional organizer while simultaneously freelance writing about DIY and interior design trends for several lifestyle sites. Erin Johnson, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024 Often, your excellent questions inspire us to write full-length articles. Becky Krystal, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2024 So White and Lauer, who opposed putting the stadium sales tax issue on the April 2 ballot because many questions remained unanswered, now want the sports complex authority to look into the claim, writing that county voters deserve the information before casting their ballots. Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2024 The Buddy Games star wrote on social media that a mixture of alcohol, drugs, and high altitude was what led him to be escorted offstage just 20 minutes into his comedy set at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek, Colo., on Sunday. EW.com, 5 Mar. 2024 Louis also wrote about the feral Mexican parrots thriving on L.A.’s exotic landscaping. Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2024 Fox News will commission a six-part series about Biden’s cognitive decline, led by mental-health experts like Sean Hannity and Jesse Watters, while blithely ignoring Trump’s frequent mistakes and misstatements — the unintentional ones — or writing them off as part of his folksy charm. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 5 Mar. 2024 Not long after her release, Griner urged her fans to write Paul Whelan, who remains imprisoned. Mike Freeman, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024 Just Try It!, your new children’s book, written with your daughter, Lily Rosenthal, will be published by Simon & Schuster in March. Laura Manske, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'write.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of write was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near write

Cite this Entry

“Write.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/write. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

write

verb
wrote ˈrōt How to pronounce write (audio) ; written ˈrit-ᵊn How to pronounce write (audio) also writ ˈrit How to pronounce write (audio) ; writing ˈrīt-iŋ How to pronounce write (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on write

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