noun

publisher

A person or company that prepares and distributes books or other works.

The publisher works with authors to bring new books to readers.

Etymology

Publisher adds -er to publish, whose central meaning is to make public. The occupation specializes that action to preparing and distributing works for readers or other audiences.

More examples

  • Several publishers rejected the novel before one accepted it.
  • He works as the publisher of a local newspaper.
  • The publisher releases a new edition of the cookbook.

Forms

publisher · publishers

publish verb — To prepare and distribute works for readers.

publication noun — A work prepared and issued for readers.

Similar words

press
Often names a publisher specializing in scholarly or literary works.
publishing house
Refers specifically to a company, not an individual.