Definition of "author" in English

noun

1. The originator or creator of a work, especially of a literary composition; or, one of the creators of a collaborative work.

   • The copyright of any original writing belongs initially and properly to its author.
   • Have you read any Corinthian authors?
   • This paper has three authors.

2. (US copyright law) The initial owner of the copyright to a work, especially a work made for hire or a work of corporate authorship.

   • The author named on the copyright registration for the Android robot is Google Inc.

3. Someone who writes books for a living.

4. (obsolete, criminal law) Principal; the primary participant in a crime.

5. (archaic) One's authority for something: an informant.

6. (figurative) The creator or cause of anything.

verb

1. (chiefly US, sometimes proscribed) To create a work as its author.