v.
(past wrote; past part. written)
- mark (letters, words, or other symbols) on a surface, with a pen, pencil, or similar implement.
▸have the ability to do this:
he couldn't read or write.
▸fill out or complete in writing.
▸
(write something up)
write a full or formal account of something.
▸Canadian & S. African take (an exam or test).
- write in a cursive hand, as opposed to printing individual letters.
- write and send (a letter) to someone.
▸chiefly N. Amer. write and send a letter to (someone).
- compose (a text or work) in writing.
▸compose (a musical work).
▸archaic describe in writing.
- Computing enter (data) into a specified storage medium or location in store.
- underwrite (an insurance policy).
Phrase
- be written all over one's face
informal be obvious from one's expression. -
(and)
that's all she wrote
N. Amer. informal there is nothing more to be said.
Phrase verbal
- write something down
reduce the nominal value of stock or goods. - write someone in
chiefly US (when voting) add the name of someone not on the original list of candidates and vote for them. - write something off
-
(write someone/thing off)
dismiss someone or something as insignificant.
- cancel the record of a bad debt; acknowledge the failure to recover an asset.
- Brit. damage a vehicle so badly that it cannot be repaired.
Derivative
- writable adj. (chiefly Computing ).
Etymology
OE wrītan ‘score, form letters by carving, write’, of Gmc origin.