noun

op-ed

OP-ed

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Op-ed (noun) means a signed opinion article printed in a newspaper or published on its site, written by someone who is not on the paper's editorial board and expressing that writer's own argument. Example: “She wrote an op-ed arguing that the licence fee should be scrapped.”

noun

A signed opinion article printed in a newspaper or published on its site, written by someone who is not on the paper's editorial board and expressing that writer's own argument.

"She wrote an op-ed arguing that the licence fee should be scrapped."

"The paper ran two op-eds on opposite sides of the strike."

adjective

Belonging to the section of a publication given over to such articles.

"The letter appeared on the op-ed page of Thursday's edition."

How to use op-ed

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn opinion article in a newspaper, written by a guest rather than the paper itself.

When to use it

Standard journalistic term; neutral in tone.

Memory tip

In British papers the same thing is often just called a comment piece.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

editorial → leader → column → letter to the editor

Common pairings

write an op-ed op-ed page op-ed contributor publish an op-ed

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “op-ed” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She wrote an _____ arguing that the licence fee should be scrapped.

Etymology

A shortening of 'opposite the editorial page', the position such columns traditionally occupied in a printed newspaper. It does not, despite the common assumption, stand for 'opinion editorial'.

Origin: English

Synonyms

View more →

opinion piece comment piece guest essay column

Related words

post article tower column editorial queue pillar plume

Rhymes for op-ed

moped doped coped looped pooped stooped whooped developed enveloped undeveloped underdeveloped

See all rhymes for op-ed →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an op-ed and an editorial?

An editorial is unsigned and states the position of the newspaper itself, written by its editorial board. An op-ed carries a byline and expresses the personal view of an outside contributor, which the paper is not endorsing.

Does op-ed stand for opinion editorial?

No, although that reading is widespread. It comes from the pages being printed opposite the editorial page. Some outlets have now renamed the format 'guest essay' partly because the original meaning no longer makes sense online.

How long is a typical op-ed?

Most publications ask for roughly 600 to 800 words, built around a single clear argument and a specific news hook.

What is the meaning of op-ed?

"op-ed" (noun) means a signed opinion article printed in a newspaper or published on its site, written by someone who is not on the paper's editorial board and expressing that writer's own argument.

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