Search Dictionary
Definition of authoress

authoress

/ˈɔː.θɚ.ɪs/
au · thor · ess
Plural:authoresses
JUMP TO:

authoress Lexical Profile

authoress Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A female author or writer of books, articles, or other literary works (now largely dated).

Example

"In nineteenth-century literary reviews, the acclaimed novelist was frequently referred to as a celebrated authoress."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for authoress

Word Nuance & Usage

The feminine form "authoress" is now largely dated and sometimes regarded as patronizing; in contemporary English, the gender-neutral noun "author" is standard for writers of any gender.

• Nearby Words

authenticator
authenticity
author
authoress
authoritarian
authoritarianism
authoritative

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 15th century, formed in English from "author" (from Old French "autor" and Latin "auctor", meaning 'originator' or 'creator') plus the feminine suffix "-ess".

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Authoress. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/authoress
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.