playwright

noun

play·​wright ˈplā-ˌrīt How to pronounce playwright (audio)
Synonyms of playwright
: a person who writes plays

Examples of playwright in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With a career spanning seven decades, starting in vaudeville before turning toward pre–Hays Code Hollywood, West established her stardom her own damn self as an actress, comedian, screenwriter, and playwright. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026 Porter, the multi-hyphenate actor, singer, director, producer, composer and playwright, won an Emmy for his work on Ryan Murphy’s FX’s drama Pose. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026 Speed the Plow, currently in post-production, marks Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Mamet’s return to directing. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026 The playwright’s story plants its clues carefully enough that the eventual revelations feel surprising without feeling arbitrary — exactly what a good ghost story should accomplish. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for playwright

Word History

Etymology

play entry 2 + obsolete wright maker — more at wright

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of playwright was in 1605

Rhymes for playwright

See All Rhymes for playwright

Browse Nearby Words

play with words/language
playwright
playwriting
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Playwright.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/playwright. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

playwright

noun
play·​wright ˈplā-ˌrīt How to pronounce playwright (audio)
: a person who writes plays

More from Merriam-Webster on playwright

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for playwright

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about playwright

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