alphabet

al·pha·bet

noun \ˈal-fə-ˌbet, -bət\

Definition of ALPHABET

1

a : a set of letters or other characters with which one or more languages are written especially if arranged in a customary order b : a system of signs or signals that serve as equivalents for letters

2

: rudiments, elements

alphabet table

Examples of ALPHABET

1. The Roman alphabet begins with “A” and ends with “Z.”
2. <you need to learn the alphabet of genealogy before you can move on to more advanced study>

Origin of ALPHABET

Middle English alphabete, from Late Latin alphabetum, from Greek alphabētos, from alpha + bēta beta

First Known Use: 1513

Related to ALPHABET

Synonyms: ABC(s), principles, basics, elements, essentials, fundamentals, grammar, rudiments

Related Words: basis, bedrock, cornerstone, foundation, groundwork, keystone, underpinning; nitty-gritty; belief, canon, doctrine, dogma, faith, philosophy; axiom, law, precept, tenet; rule, standard; theorem

Near Antonyms: details, trivia

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Other Alphabet Terms

cuneiform, linear, minuscule, pictograph, rune, symbology, wedge

Rhymes with ALPHABET

aiguillette, anisette, avocet, banneret, basinet, bassinet, bayonet, bobbinet, bouncing bet, briolette, burgonet, calumet, canzonet, castanet, cellarette, chemisette, cigarette, clarinet, Cook Inlet, coronet, corselet, dragonet, dresser set, electret, en brochette, epaulet, Ethernet, etiquette, falconet, farmerette, featurette, flageolet, flannelette, great egret, guillemet, heavyset, jaconet, Joliet, Juliet, kitchenette, landaulet, lanneret, launderette, leatherette, luncheonette, maisonette, majorette, marmoset, marquisette, martinet, mignonette, minaret, minuet, miquelet, netiquette, novelette, oubliette, parapet, paupiette, photoset, pirouette, plasma jet, quodlibet, rondelet, safety net, satinet, scilicet, sermonette, serviette, silhouette, sobriquet, solleret, somerset, Somerset, soviet, space cadet, spinneret, statuette, stockinette, suffragette, superjet, swimmeret, taboret, teacher's pet, thermoset, towelette, trebuchet, tricolette, triple threat, underlet, usherette, vinaigrette, wagonette, web-offset