Letter

/ˈlɛtər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A written, typed, or printed communication, usually sent to someone.

I received a letter from my friend yesterday.

A formal or informal message sent by mail.

She wrote a letter to the editor expressing her opinions.

A written symbol that indicates a specific pitch in music.

In music, the letter C represents the pitch known as middle C.

A character representing one or more of the sounds used in speech; any of the symbols of an alphabet.

The English alphabet consists of 26 letters.

verb

To write or inscribe letters or characters.

He lettered the sign beautifully with gold paint.

From Middle English 'leter', from Old French 'lettre', from Latin 'littera', meaning 'a letter, a character'.

take a letter

To dictate a letter to someone who will write it down.

letter of the law

The literal interpretation of the law, without consideration for its spirit.

letter opener

A tool used to open envelopes.

letter-perfect

Perfectly accurate or exact.

by the letter

Exactly as stated, without deviation.

alphabet

A set of letters or symbols in a fixed order used to represent the basic speech sounds of a language.

script

A system of writing used in a particular language.

post

Mail that is delivered to people.

A way to refer to a degree or document in a casual context.

I just got my letter; I'm officially a graduate now!

A dismissal or rejection letter, often used in a humorous way.

I got the letter from my crush—guess I’m not their type.