writing

Etymology 1

From Middle English writing, writyng, wryting, wrytyng, from Old English wrīting (“writing”), equivalent to write + -ing.

noun

1. (uncountable) Graphism of symbols such as letters that express some meaning.
   Early writing appeared in both societies around 3000 B.C.E., mainly for administrative purposes in Egypt and for accounting and trading in Sumer. 2017, Anthony J. McMichael, Alistair Woodward, Cameron Muir, Climate Change and the Health of Nations, page 115
2. (countable) Something written, such as a document, article or book.
3. (uncountable) The process of representing a language with symbols or letters.
4. (countable) A work of an author.
5. (countable) The style of writing of a person.
   I can't read your writing.
6. (as a modifier) Intended for or used in writing.
   a writing table

Etymology 2

From Middle English writinge, wrytynge, writende, writand, from Old English wrītende, present participle of Old English wrītan (“to scratch, carve, write”), equivalent to write + -ing.

verb

1. present participle and gerund of write
   What are you doing? ― Um, I’m writing. ― You are writing! You are writing a lot! Audio (US) (file) 2016, VOA Learning English (public domain)