edit

1 of 2

verb

ed·​it ˈe-dət How to pronounce edit (audio)
edited; editing; edits

transitive verb

1
a
: to prepare (something, such as literary material) for publication or public presentation
edit a manuscript
b
: to assemble (something, such as a moving picture or tape recording) by cutting and rearranging
edit a film
c
: to alter, adapt, or refine especially to bring about conformity to a standard or to suit a particular purpose
carefully edited the speech
edit a data file
2
: to direct the publication of
edits the daily newspaper
3
: delete
usually used with out
4
: to modify a gene or gene product of by inserting, deleting, or replacing DNA sequences
The first work attempting to edit human embryos grabbed headlines last week.Penny Sarchet and Michael Le Page
see gene editing
editable adjective

edit

2 of 2

noun

: an instance or result of editing

Examples of edit in a Sentence

Verb This chapter needs to be edited. The book was poorly edited. The stories have been edited for a younger audience. Students learn to edit their essays for grammar and punctuation. The software allows you to edit videos on your computer. This film has been edited for television. an anthology of ancient poetry edited by a local professor
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
This conversation has been condensed and edited for clarity. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 31 Oct. 2024 Production design is by Violette De Laet, costume design by Lily Faith Knight and editing by Andy Sowerby. K.j. Yossman, Variety, 31 Oct. 2024
Noun
Students will have the opportunity to direct, edit, operate cameras, and perform on-stage. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2024 Ahead, find Vogue’s edit of the best vitamin C creams for a burst of brightness. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for edit 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'edit.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

back-formation from editor

First Known Use

Verb

1704, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1917, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of edit was in 1704

Dictionary Entries Near edit

Cite this Entry

“Edit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/edit. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

edit

verb
ed·​it
ˈed-ət
1
a
: to correct, revise, and prepare for publication
edit a book of poems
b
: to assemble (as a film or tape recording) by cutting and rearranging
2
: to direct the publication of
edit a daily newspaper

More from Merriam-Webster on edit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!