What does editor mean?
An editor is a person responsible for preparing written material for publication. Editors review manuscripts for accuracy, coherence, style, and grammar, suggest revisions, select which pieces to publish, and often shape the overall voice of a newspaper, magazine, book publisher, website, or broadcast outlet. The word also carries specialized meanings: in journalism, senior figures such as the managing editor or editor-in-chief oversee newsrooms and make final decisions about content, while in computing an 'editor' refers to software used for writing and modifying text or code. Editors are essential intermediaries between writers and audiences, balancing the author's intent with the needs of readers. The term derives from Latin, where an editor was literally someone who 'puts forth' or issues a work, reflecting the profession's enduring role as the gatekeeper and curator of published ideas.
A person who prepares written material for publication by reviewing, correcting, and selecting content.
"The editor returned the manuscript with extensive marginal comments."
Often modified by role-specific adjectives, e.g. 'copy editor', 'commissioning editor'.
The person in overall charge of the content of a publication or broadcast.
"As editor of the daily paper, she made the final call on every front page."
(Computing) A program that allows users to create and modify text or code.
"He switched his workflow to a lightweight code editor."
Regular plural; used both for multiple people holding the role and for instances of editor programs.
"The editors met each morning to decide the day's headlines."
Before 'editor' existed in English, publishers were described with a phrase straight from Latin — one who 'gives out' the words to the world.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of editor
Editor comes from the Latin 'ēditor', meaning 'one who puts forth' or 'one who publishes', formed from the verb 'ēdere', a combination of the prefix 'e-' ('out') and 'dare' ('to give'). The word entered English in the early 17th century, initially applied to someone issuing a scholarly or literary work. It shares its root 'dare' with related English words including 'edit', 'edition', 'data', and 'date', all tracing back to the idea of giving or handing over.
Related word forms
How editor is actually used
In journalism and publishing, specific titles such as 'commissioning editor', 'copy editor', and 'editor-at-large' denote distinct roles; British publications often use 'editor' for what American usage may call the 'editor-in-chief'. The computing sense is common in everyday technical language.
Easily confused with editor
An auditor examines and verifies financial records, whereas an editor reviews and revises text for publication.