Subscriber login


Forgot your password?

Library card login

Other

writing

Pronunciation: /ˈrʌɪtɪŋ/
Translate writing | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of writing

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1the activity or skill of writing:parents want schools to concentrate on reading, writing, and arithmetic
  • a sequence of letters, words, or symbols marked on a surface:a leather product with gold writing on it he asked them to put their complaints in writing
  • handwriting:his writing looked crabbed
  • 2the activity or occupation of composing text for publication:she made a decent living from writing
  • written work, especially with regard to its style or quality:the writing is straightforward and accessible
  • (writings) books, stories, or other written works:the writings of Gertrude Stein
  • (the Writings) the Hagiographa.

Phrases

the writing (or North American handwriting) is on the wall

there are clear signs that something unpleasant or unwelcome is going to happen:the writing was on the wall for the old system
[with biblical allusion to Dan. 5:5, 25–8]

writing in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of writing in the US English dictionary
  |  Cite
Oxford Dictionaries Pro

For Oxford's best resources for writers, plus thesaurus, audio, and 1.9m examples.

Shop for an Oxford dictionary

Find the perfect Oxford dictionary for you in our online shop.
SHOP NOW ►

Word of the day

cur

/ kəː /
noun
an aggressive or unkempt dog …