a firm in the publishing business
"The publisher rejected our manuscript because they felt the topic was too niche for their current market strategy."
a person engaged in publishing periodicals or books or music
"After years of working independently, she finally signed with a major publisher who agreed to distribute her new novel across the country."
the proprietor of a newspaper
"The publisher refused to print the article because it contradicted the paper's editorial stance."
One who publishes, especially books.
"The author signed a contract with the publisher to release her new novel next spring."
In plain English: A publisher is a company that buys, edits, and sells books, magazines, or other written works to the public.
"The publisher decided to delay the book's release until next month."
Usage: A publisher is an organization or individual that produces and distributes books, magazines, or other media to the public. You should use this term when referring to the company or person responsible for bringing written works to market, not the author who writes them.
The word publisher is formed by adding the suffix "-er" to publish. This construction follows a standard pattern where an agent noun indicates someone who performs the action of publishing.