English Reference
verb · noun

edit

v. · n.
US /ˈɛdət/ UK /ˈɛdɪt/ ed·it UK spelling edits

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    v.to check and change a piece of writing, a video, or a photo to make it better or correct mistakes.

    v.to prepare written, visual, or audio material for publication or presentation by correcting, condensing, or otherwise modifying it.

    Simple

    I need to edit my essay one more time before I send it to the teacher.

    In context

    The director spent several months in the studio to edit the raw footage into a coherent two-hour narrative.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    v.to be the person in charge of a newspaper, magazine, or book series.

    v.to serve as the editor of a periodical or a specific volume, overseeing content selection and stylistic consistency.

    Simple

    She has edited the local newspaper for over twenty years.

    In context

    He was invited to edit a special collection of academic papers focusing on renewable energy transitions in developing nations.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    v.to change the genetic code of a living thing.

    v.to alter the DNA sequence of an organism, typically through gene-splicing techniques.

    Simple

    Scientists are learning how to edit genes to prevent certain diseases.

    In context

    The ability to precisely edit the human genome has sparked significant ethical debates within the global scientific community.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate

    n.a specific change you make to a document or file.

    n.an instance of modification or revision made to a text, digital file, or website.

    Simple

    I made a few small edits to the report to fix the spelling errors.

    In context

    After reviewing the draft, the supervisor suggested several substantive edits to the methodology section of the proposal.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate InformalSlang Internet

    n.a short video made by a fan that puts together many cool moments from a show or movie.

    n.a compilation of media clips, often highly stylised with music and visual effects, created by fans or social media users.

    Simple

    She posted a tribute edit of her favourite singer on social media.

    In context

    The athlete's viral edit featured a montage of his best career goals set to a high-tempo electronic soundtrack.

Usage edit request

Written for you by our author Stephanie Baum , edited by Sadie Harley , and fact-checked and reviewed by Robert Egan —this article is the result of careful human work.

Phys.org· 15 Aug 2026

Written for you by our author Krystal Kasal , edited by Gaby Clark , and fact-checked and reviewed by Robert Egan —this article is the result of careful human work.

Phys.org· 15 Aug 2026

Back-formation from editor, influenced by French éditer (“edit, publish”) and Latin editus.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated