noun
Common
publishing
PUHB-lih-shihng
Publishing (noun) means the business of producing and distributing books, magazines, or other written works. Example: “She's worked in publishing for over twenty years.”
noun
1
The business of producing and distributing books, magazines, or other written works.
"She's worked in publishing for over twenty years."
"Digital tools have changed publishing dramatically."
"She got her first job in publishing straight after finishing university."
How to use publishing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe whole industry built around printing and distributing written work.
Common pairings
work in publishing
the publishing industry
self-publishing
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like publishing.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- publishings
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She's worked in _____ for over twenty years.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for publishing
fishing
dishing
phishing
swishing
vanishing
perishing
finishing
punishing
polishing
ravishing
nourishing
furnishing
See all rhymes for publishing →
Frequently asked questions
What does “publishing” mean?
The word “publishing” means the business of producing and distributing books, magazines, or other written works. In plain terms, the whole industry built around printing and distributing written work.
How do you pronounce “publishing”?
“Publishing” is pronounced PUHB-lih-shihng (/ˈpʌblɪʃɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “publishing” in a sentence?
Here is “publishing” used in a sentence: “She's worked in publishing for over twenty years.”
What part of speech is “publishing”?
“Publishing” is a noun.
Is “publishing” a common word?
“Publishing” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between publishing and printing?
Printing is the physical or digital reproduction of text, while publishing is the whole business of producing and distributing books, magazines, or other written works — selecting, editing, designing, marketing, and selling them. A printer manufactures copies; a publisher brings the work to the public.
What is the difference between traditional publishing and self-publishing?
In traditional publishing, a publishing house acquires the rights to a work, funds its editing, production, and distribution, and pays the author royalties. In self-publishing, the author handles or hires out those tasks, keeping control and a larger share of revenue but bearing the costs and marketing burden.
What does a publishing house do?
A publishing house selects manuscripts, edits and designs them, produces the finished books or other written works, and distributes and markets them to readers. In return it typically pays authors an advance, royalties, or both.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include publishing: