English · Work & Business
copyright
/ˈkɒp.i.raɪt/
[/ˈkɒp.i.raɪt/]
legal right to a work
Intermediatenoun
Definition
The legal right to be the only one who can copy, sell, or publish a piece of writing, music, or art.
Example
The author holds the copyright to her novel, so no one can reprint it without permission.
The author holds the copyright to her novel, so no one can reprint it without permission.
Etymology
A compound of 'copy' and 'right', first used in the early 18th century as printing spread.
How & Where It’s Used
Used in publishing, music, film, and software.