1the activity or skill of writing: parents want schools to concentrate on reading, writing, and arithmetic
a sequence of letters, words, or symbols marked on a surface: a leather product with gold writing on it he asked them to put their complaints in writing
handwriting: his writing looked crabbed
2the activity or occupation of composing text for publication: she made a decent living from writing
written work, especially with regard to its style or quality: the writing is straightforward and accessible
(writings) books, stories, or other written works: the writings of Gertrude Stein
(the Writings) the Hagiographa.
Phrases
the writing (or North Americanhandwriting) is on the wall
there are clear signs that something unpleasant or unwelcome is going to happen: the writing was on the wall for the old system
[with biblical allusion to Dan. 5:5, 25–8]
writing in other Oxford dictionaries
Definition of writing in the dictionary US English
