write
verb (past wrote; past part. written) 1 mark (letters, words, or other symbols) on a surface, with a pen, pencil, or similar implement. 2 write and send (a letter) to someone. 3 compose (a text or work) in writing. 4 compose (a musical work). 5 fill out or complete (a cheque or similar document). 6 Computing enter (data) into a specified storage medium or location in store. 7 underwrite (an insurance policy). PHRASES be written all over ones face informal be obvious from ones expression. write off 1 dismiss as insignificant. 2 cancel the record of (a bad debt); acknowledge the failure to recover (an asset). 3 Brit. damage (a vehicle) so badly that it cannot be repaired or is not worth repairing. DERIVATIVES writable adjective (chiefly Computing). ORIGIN Old English.
Perform another search of the Compact Oxford English Dictionary
About this dictionary
The Compact Oxford English Dictionary of Current English contains 145,000 words, phrases, and definitions.
Find out more about Oxford's range of English dictionaries
Sign up for the AskOxford Word of the Day
Search the Little Oxford Dictionary of Quotations
Search the Concise Dictionary of First Names
|