What does coauthor mean?
A coauthor is a person who collaborates with another individual or individuals to write a book, article, or other work. This can be a formal or informal arrangement, and the coauthor may contribute equally or to a lesser extent than the primary author. The term is often used in academic and literary contexts, where multiple authors may work together to produce a single publication. Coauthors may share credit and responsibility for the work, and their contributions may be acknowledged in the publication's credits or acknowledgments. The concept of coauthorship has become increasingly common in recent years, particularly in fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), where collaborative research is often the norm. Overall, the role of a coauthor is to contribute to the creation of a written work, often in partnership with others.
noun
A person who co-writes a book, article, or other work with another person or people.
- 1. A person who co-writes a book, article, or other work with another person or people.
"The authors of the bestselling novel were a coauthor and her husband."
"The authors of the bestselling novel were a coauthor and her husband."
"The research paper was coauthored by three graduate students."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of coauthor
The word 'coauthor' is derived from the prefix 'co-' meaning 'together' and the noun 'author' meaning 'writer'. This term has been in use since the 17th century, initially in academic and literary contexts.
Usage notes
In formal writing, it is common to use the phrase 'coauthored by' to acknowledge the contributions of multiple authors. In informal contexts, the term 'coauthor' may be used more loosely to refer to anyone who contributes to a written work, regardless of their level of involvement.