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Basic Formal IVT Commonly tested

Author Byline

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈɔːθər ˈbaɪˌlaɪn/

The official listing of author names, affiliations, and contributions published with an article to establish authorship and institutional attribution. It appears prominently on the article's title page and metadata.

Plain English

The names and institutional information shown as authors of a published article.

Etymology & History

Origin languageOld English and Germanic
Rootauthor (one who creates) + by (near) + line (written mark)
First recorded use1920s
Usage frequencyVery common

Usage

"The author byline must accurately reflect all contributors and their current institutional affiliations."

Style guide notes: Format follows journal-specific conventions; check journal guidelines for name ordering and affiliation format.

Also known as

author attribution authorship line contributor list

Contrasted with

anonymous publication ghostwritten

Related Terms

Frequently Asked Questions

What information goes in an author byline?

Names, current institution, department, country, and email contact information.

Can author order in byline be changed?

Only with all authors' written approval and updated contributor statements.

Why Test Candidates on This?

Critical for citation accuracy, institutional reporting, and research integrity practices.

Required skill level: Junior

Editors from these organisations have used our services since 1998

Reuters BBC Oxford University Press Penguin Random House Springer Microsoft Suncor Energy United Nations Fisher Investments IBM The Home Depot KODAK CHEVRON