ghostwriter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, professional, journalistic
Quick answer
What does “ghostwriter” mean?
A person who writes content for another person who is credited as the author.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who writes content for another person who is credited as the author.
A professional writer who creates speeches, articles, books, or other texts on behalf of a client, typically a celebrity, politician, or expert, without receiving public credit for the work. The arrangement is often confidential.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The hyphenated form 'ghost-writer' is slightly more common in older British publications, but 'ghostwriter' is now standard in both.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties. May carry a slight stigma regarding authenticity in both cultures.
Frequency
Equally common in both UK and US English, particularly in publishing, media, and political contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “ghostwriter” in a Sentence
ghostwriter for + person/publicationghostwriter of + workghostwriter hired by + person/organisationVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ghostwriter” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was paid to ghostwrite the footballer's autobiography.
- Several chapters were ghostwritten by an assistant.
American English
- She ghostwrites for several tech CEOs.
- The memoir was largely ghostwritten.
adjective
British English
- She has a lucrative ghostwriting career.
- They signed a ghostwriting contract.
American English
- He took a ghostwriting job for a senator.
- The ghostwriting process is confidential.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Common in publishing contracts and literary agencies.
Academic
Used when discussing authorship ethics or publishing practices; using a ghostwriter for academic work is considered plagiarism.
Everyday
Used when discussing biographies of celebrities or politicians' memoirs.
Technical
Specific to publishing and media industries.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ghostwriter”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ghostwriter”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ghostwriter”
- Confusing 'ghostwriter' with 'editor' or 'proofreader'. A ghostwriter creates original content; an editor revises existing content. Spelling as two words 'ghost writer' (less standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a legal and common professional practice in publishing, media, and politics, provided all parties agree to the arrangement.
A co-author is credited on the work; a ghostwriter is not publicly credited, though they are typically paid a fee.
Usually not, due to confidentiality agreements. Sometimes, after many years or by mutual agreement, the ghostwriter's role may be acknowledged.
No, they write speeches, articles, blog posts, social media content, and other texts for clients.
A person who writes content for another person who is credited as the author.
Ghostwriter is usually formal, professional, journalistic in register.
Ghostwriter: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡəʊstˌraɪtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡoʊstˌraɪt̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “ghost in the machine (unrelated idiom)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'ghost' who is invisible but does the work—here, writing.
Conceptual Metaphor
WRITING IS LABOUR (invisible labour).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary role of a ghostwriter?