Definition

Describing a work that is written by someone else on behalf of another person, often without the public knowing the true author.

Example

The bestselling novel was ghostwritten by a talented author who preferred to remain anonymous.

Conversation

Did you hear about that new book?

Yeah, I heard it was ghostwritten by a famous author.

I wonder how much of it is really their work then.

Probably not much! It's interesting how that changes the writing process.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ghostwritten → It is formed from "ghost" (from Old English *gāst*, meaning spirit or soul) and "written" (the past participle of "write", from Old English *writan*, meaning to inscribe or draw). The term "ghostwritten" refers to a work that is written by someone else on behalf of another person, often without public acknowledgment.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'spirit' ('ghost') that helps someone 'write' — that's why ghostwritten means a piece created by one person for another.

Visually Confused Words