The originator or creator of a work, especially of a literary composition.
"The author signed every copy of her new novel at the bookstore event."
In plain English: An author is a person who writes a book, story, or other piece of writing.
"She wrote the book and is the author of many popular novels."
Usage: Use "author" to refer specifically to the person who created a written or spoken work, such as a book or article. Do not use it to mean a cause or source in general situations, where "cause" or "origin" is more appropriate.
To create a work as its author.
"The committee debated whether to accept the anonymous submission or require the writer to formally sign as the author before publication."
In plain English: To author something means to create or write it yourself.
"The heavy rain began to author the muddy path through the forest."
Usage: Use "author" as a verb to mean creating or originating something, such as writing a book or causing an event. It is often followed by a direct object like "a report," "the change," or "a series of events."
The word "author" comes from the Latin auctor, meaning one who increases or originates something. It entered English via Old French and Anglo-Norman, where it originally referred to someone responsible for creating or increasing a work.