Bylines – Definition & Meaning

Bylines are an essential part of any piece of writing, whether it is a news article, a blog post, or a book. They provide the reader with information about the author of the piece, including their name, credentials, and sometimes their contact information. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of bylines, their origin, and their associations.

Definitions

A byline is a line of text that appears at the beginning or end of an article, indicating the author’s name and sometimes their credentials. It is a way for the author to take credit for their work and for readers to know who wrote the piece.

Origin

The term “byline” originated in the early 20th century, when newspapers began to credit their reporters for their work. Before that, articles were often published anonymously or under a pseudonym. Bylines became common practice in the 1920s and 1930s and have been used ever since.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a byline is “a line at the beginning of a news article, magazine article, or book that gives the writer’s name.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a line at the beginning of an article in a newspaper or magazine giving the writer’s name.”

Associations

Bylines are associated with journalism, as they are commonly used in newspapers and magazines. However, they are also used in other forms of writing, such as books, blogs, and academic articles. Bylines are often seen as a way for writers to establish their credibility and authority in their field.

Synonyms

Synonyms for bylines include authorship, credit, attribution, and signature.

Antonyms

Antonyms for bylines include anonymity, pseudonymity, and ghostwriting.

The same root words

Bylines is derived from the word “by,” which means “near or beside,” and “line,” which refers to a line of text. These root words indicate that the byline is a line of text that appears near or beside the article.

Example Sentences

1. The byline on the article read “Written by John Smith.”
2. The author’s byline included their name, title, and contact information.
3. The magazine editor requested that all articles include a byline for each author.
4. The book’s byline listed the author’s name and the title of the book.