Publisher

ˈpʌblɪʃər

nounBeginner📊CommonBusiness
2 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A person or company engaged in preparing and issuing books, journals, or other works for sale.

ˈpʌblɪʃər

nounneutralBeginner
Business

A person or company that prepares and issues books, journals, music, or other works for sale.

The publisher is looking for new authors.

💡 Simply: Imagine someone in charge of printing and selling books, magazines, or music. They make sure everyone can buy it! They're a publisher!

👶 For kids: Someone or a company who makes books, magazines, or newspapers and sells them.

More Examples

2

She works as a book publisher in New York City.

3

The publisher decided to print a second edition due to popular demand.

How It's Used

Business

"The publisher decided to release the book next year."

Literature

"The author worked with a reputable publisher to get their novel into bookstores."

2

An organization that produces and distributes written or other material.

ˈpʌblɪʃər

nounneutralmedium
Business

The organization that produces and distributes something like a newspaper or magazine.

The publisher of the local newspaper announced a new series of articles.

💡 Simply: Think of a company or group that puts out things like newspapers, magazines, or online content. They have a team to make it happen!

👶 For kids: A group of people who makes things like newspapers and magazines.

More Examples

2

The magazine's publisher decided to increase the subscription price.

3

The publisher has been criticized for its editorial decisions.

How It's Used

Journalism

"The newspaper is owned by a major publisher."

Media

"The publisher of the magazine is experiencing financial difficulties."

Tip:Think of the *house* that publishes all the media.

Idioms & expressions

vanity publisher

A publisher who publishes books at the author's expense.

"Some aspiring authors turn to a vanity publisher to see their work in print."

to find a publisher

To be accepted or contracted by a publishing company.

"It can be hard for new authors to find a publisher."

From Middle English *publissher*, from Old French *publissour*, from Latin *publicare* ('to make public').

The term 'publisher' has been used since the 16th century, evolving with the rise of printing presses and the spread of literacy. The word's importance grew along with the printing revolution.

Memory tip

Think of someone making something public, selling it (like publishing!).

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to make public"

book publishermagazine publishermajor publishersmall publisherindependent publisher

Common misspellings

publiserpubisherpublishor

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written