noun
Common
manuscript
MAN-yuh-skrihpt
Manuscript (noun) means a document written by hand, or, more commonly today, an author's original text submitted before it is published. Example: “The editor spent a month reading the novelist's manuscript before replying.”
noun
1
A document written by hand, or, more commonly today, an author's original text submitted before it is published.
"The editor spent a month reading the novelist's manuscript before replying."
"She sent the finished manuscript to twelve publishers."
"The museum displayed a medieval manuscript decorated with gold leaf."
How to use manuscript
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA book or document as originally written, whether by hand or typed, before it goes to print.
Common pairings
submit a manuscript
unpublished manuscript
illuminated manuscript
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Word forms
- Plural
- manuscripts
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The editor spent a month reading the novelist's _____ before replying.
Etymology
From Latin manū scrīptus, literally "written by hand."
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “manuscript” mean?
The word “manuscript” means a document written by hand, or, more commonly today, an author's original text submitted before it is published. In plain terms, a book or document as originally written, whether by hand or typed, before it goes to print.
How do you pronounce “manuscript”?
“Manuscript” is pronounced MAN-yuh-skrihpt (/ˈmæn.jəˌskɹɪpt/ in IPA).
How do you use “manuscript” in a sentence?
Here is “manuscript” used in a sentence: “She sent the finished manuscript to twelve publishers.”
What is another word for “manuscript”?
Words with a similar meaning to “manuscript” include handwrit, autograph and handwriting.
What part of speech is “manuscript”?
“Manuscript” is a noun.
Where does the word “manuscript” come from?
The word “manuscript” comes from Latin. From Latin manū scrīptus, literally "written by hand.".
Is “manuscript” a common word?
“Manuscript” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between a manuscript and a typescript?
A manuscript is traditionally a document written by hand, or, in modern publishing, an author's original text. A typescript specifically refers to a version that has been typed rather than handwritten.
What is the difference between a manuscript and a published book?
A manuscript is the author's original text before it has been edited, designed, and printed. A published book is the finished, publicly available version that results from that process.
What is an illuminated manuscript?
An illuminated manuscript is a handwritten book decorated with elaborate illustrations, ornate initial letters, and often gold or silver detail. Such manuscripts were produced especially during the medieval period.
How is manuscript abbreviated?
Manuscript is commonly abbreviated as MS, with the plural manuscripts written as MSS. These short forms are widely used in publishing and academic references.
