What does editorial mean?
An editorial is an article in a newspaper or magazine in which the publication expresses its own collective opinion on a matter of public interest, typically written by or on behalf of the editorial board and left unsigned to signal that it represents the institution rather than any individual writer. The same word functions as an adjective covering everything connected with the preparation and direction of published content — editorial policy, editorial control, editorial meetings, and editorial independence all concern how decisions about content are made. In fashion and photography, 'editorial' additionally describes work with the polished, expressive character of magazine features as opposed to straightforward commercial imagery. The noun sense carries connotations of institutional authority: an editorial is understood to be a considered, official stance rather than one columnist's whim, which is why politicians and companies often respond carefully to hostile editorials. In British usage the equivalent piece has traditionally been called a leader or leading article, though 'editorial' is now common everywhere.
An article in a newspaper or magazine expressing the publication's own opinion on a particular issue, usually unsigned and reflecting the views of the editorial board.
"Today's editorial argues that the city should invest more in public transport."
Chiefly North American; British papers traditionally call this a 'leader' or 'leading article'.
Relating to the editing, preparation, or content decisions involved in producing published material.
"The magazine gave her full editorial control over the feature."
The plural refers to multiple opinion articles, often across different publications or different days; used almost exclusively for the noun sense.
"Newspapers across the country published editorials demanding accountability."
In British English, the newspaper opinion piece is simply called 'the leader' — 'editorial' is the Americanism that conquered the world.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of editorial
Editorial derives from 'editor', which comes from the Latin 'edere' (to give out, publish, or produce), via the past participle stem 'editus'. The term emerged in American journalism in the early 19th century, when 'editorial' came to denote the opinion article written by the newspaper's editor, distinguishing it from news reporting. Its adjective use broadened through the publishing world to cover all matters of content preparation and selection. It thus shares its root with related words such as 'edit', 'edition', and 'editor'.
Related word forms
How editorial is actually used
The noun sense (an opinion article) is especially associated with American journalism, though widely understood elsewhere; British papers traditionally use 'leader' or 'leading article' for the same thing. As an adjective it appears most often in publishing and media contexts ('editorial team', 'editorial meeting', 'editorial independence'). The verb form 'editorialize' means to inject opinion into coverage, often with a mildly critical connotation when applied to supposedly neutral reporting.
Easily confused with editorial
An editor is the person who prepares and revises content, while an editorial is either the opinion article itself or an adjective describing editing-related matters.
An edition is a particular version or printing of a published work, whereas an editorial is an opinion piece or something relating to the editing process.