Definition

1. Noun:
   • The activity or skill of marking coherent words on paper or another surface: The act of creating text using letters or symbols.
   • Written work, especially with regard to its style or quality: The product of the activity of writing, such as a book, article, or document.
   • A sequence of letters, words, or symbols marked on a surface: The physical or visible form of language.
   • The collected works of a particular author or group: The body of literary or scholarly work produced by a writer.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • She enjoys the process of writing. (She finds pleasure in the activity of composing text.)
  • His writing is clear and persuasive. (The style and quality of his composed texts are effective.)
  • The writing on the ancient tablet was faded. (The symbols inscribed on the old stone were difficult to see.)
  • We are studying the writings of Jane Austen. (We are examining the collected works of the author Jane Austen.)

Advanced Usage

• "The writing is on the wall": A phrase meaning that there are clear signs that something bad will happen.
  • With falling sales, the writing is on the wall for the company. (The declining sales are a clear sign the company will fail.)
• "In writing": Referring to something expressed or recorded in a physical or official text form.
  • Please confirm your agreement in writing. (Please provide a textual, documented confirmation of your agreement.)

Variants and Related Words

• Write (verb): To mark letters, words, or symbols on a surface to record thoughts or information.
  • He will write a letter.
• Writer (noun): A person who writes books, stories, or articles as a job or regular activity.
  • She is a talented writer.
• Written (adjective): Expressed in writing; not spoken.
  • A written exam.

Synonyms

• Composition: The act of putting together or creating a written work.
• Script: Handwritten characters or text; also, the written text of a play, film, or broadcast.
• Text: The main body of a written work.

Related Phrases

• Put something in writing: To formally record something in a document.
  • The contract terms must be put in writing.
• Writing desk: A piece of furniture with a surface for writing.
  • She sat at her writing desk.

Related Idioms

• Writing on the wall: (See "Advanced Usage" above).
• Like writing in water: An action or effort that leaves no permanent record or effect.
  • His promises were like writing in water. (His promises were quickly forgotten and had no lasting impact.)

Noun

1. the activity of putting something in written form
   • she did the thinking while he did the writing
2. letters or symbols that are written or imprinted on a surface to represent the sounds or words of a language
   • he turned the paper over so the writing wouldn't show
   • the doctor's writing was illegible
3. (usually plural) the collected work of an author
   • the idea occurs with increasing frequency in Hemingway's writings
4. the work of a writer; anything expressed in letters of the alphabet (especially when considered from the point of view of style and effect)
   • the writing in her novels is excellent
   • that editorial was a fine piece of writing
5. the act of creating written works
   • writing was a form of therapy for him
   • it was a matter of disputed authorship