subeditor: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, professional, journalistic
Quick answer
What does “subeditor” mean?
A person who checks and corrects text for a newspaper, magazine, or website before it is published.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who checks and corrects text for a newspaper, magazine, or website before it is published.
A junior or assistant editor responsible for the technical aspects of preparing text for publication, including fact-checking, grammar, style, layout, and sometimes headline writing. In some contexts, the role may involve substantive editing and liaising with writers.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'subeditor' is standard in British English. In American English, the equivalent role is almost universally called a 'copy editor'.
Connotations
In the UK, 'subeditor' can carry a slightly more technical/production-oriented connotation, sometimes involving layout and headline writing. 'Copy editor' (used in the US and increasingly in the UK) emphasizes the textual correction aspect.
Frequency
High frequency in UK publishing/journalism. Very low frequency in US English, where 'copy editor' is dominant.
Grammar
How to Use “subeditor” in a Sentence
[subeditor] + [of/for] + [publication][publication] + [subeditor][verb: appoint, hire, promote] + [as] + [subeditor]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “subeditor” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The chief news editor will subedit the lead story herself.
- All articles must be subedited before going to layout.
American English
- The managing editor will copy-edit the feature herself.
- All manuscripts are copy-edited for style and consistency.
adverb
British English
- The piece was subedited thoroughly.
- He works subeditorially on the sports desk.
American English
- The manuscript was copy-edited meticulously.
- She reviewed the text copy-editorially.
adjective
British English
- She applied for a subediting role at The Guardian.
- The subeditorial team works overnight.
American English
- She applied for a copy-editing role at The New York Times.
- The copy-editing process is crucial for quality.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the context of media/publishing company structures and job titles.
Academic
Rare; used when discussing media studies or the publishing process.
Everyday
Uncommon; primarily used by those in publishing/journalism.
Technical
Standard term within the journalism and publishing industries in the UK.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “subeditor”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “subeditor”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “subeditor”
- Confusing 'subeditor' with 'assistant editor' (the latter may have more commissioning/planning duties).
- Using 'subeditor' in an American context where 'copy editor' is expected.
- Misspelling as 'sub-editor' (hyphenated form is also acceptable).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An editor typically has a broader, more strategic role involving commissioning content, managing writers, and shaping the publication's direction. A subeditor focuses on the technical preparation of individual pieces: correcting grammar, checking facts, applying style guides, and fitting text to layout.
No, it is very rare in American English. The standard term for this role in the US is 'copy editor'. Using 'subeditor' in an American context may cause confusion.
A subeditor's primary duty is to clarify and correct, not to alter the author's intended meaning. However, they may suggest rewrites for clarity, conciseness, or legal reasons, often in consultation with the author or senior editor.
Exceptional attention to detail, an excellent command of grammar and style, factual accuracy, the ability to work quickly under pressure, and strong communication skills to liaise with writers and other editors.
A person who checks and corrects text for a newspaper, magazine, or website before it is published.
Subeditor is usually formal, professional, journalistic in register.
Subeditor: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsʌbˈed.ɪ.tər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsʌbˈed.ɪ.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to have a subeditor's eye (for detail)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SUBordinate EDITOR. They work under the main editor, focusing on the sub-level details of the text.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TEXT AS A PRODUCT needing final assembly and quality control. The subeditor is the quality inspector on the production line.
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the term 'subeditor' most commonly used?