ライター

From English 'lighter' (sense 1) and 'writer' (sense 2). Context makes the meaning clear.

Compounds

• 使(つか)い捨(す)てライター: disposable lighter
• ガスライター: gas lighter
• オイルライター: oil lighter (like a Zippo)
• フリーライター: freelance writer
• コピーライター: copywriter
• シナリオライター: screenwriter
• ゴーストライター: ghostwriter

Usage

As "writer," ライター usually means someone who writes articles, copy, or scripts for pay. A novelist or literary author is 作家(さっか).