Definition

A person who writes for someone else, allowing that person to take credit for the work.

Example

The author hired a ghostwriter to help complete her memoir.

Conversation

Did you know that some famous authors use a ghostwriter?

Really? I had no idea!

Yeah, it’s a way for them to save time and still publish their work.

That makes sense, but I wonder how they feel about sharing credit.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ghostwriter → It is formed from "ghost" (from Old English *gāst*, meaning spirit or soul) and "writer" (from Old English *writere*, meaning one who writes). A ghostwriter is someone who writes for another person, often without being credited, as if the writing is coming from the 'spirit' of the credited author.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'spirit' ('ghost') that helps someone 'write' — a ghostwriter is someone who writes for another, often invisibly.

Visually Confused Words