grapheme

noun

graph·​eme ˈgra-ˌfēm How to pronounce grapheme (audio)
1
: a unit (such as a letter or digraph) of a writing system
2
: the set of units of a writing system (such as letters and letter combinations) that represent a phoneme
graphemic adjective
graphemically adverb

Examples of grapheme in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web People with the most common type, grapheme-color synesthesia, see letters as colors. Shanley Pierce, Discover Magazine, 8 Oct. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'grapheme.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

-graph + -eme

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of grapheme was in 1932

Dictionary Entries Near grapheme

Cite this Entry

“Grapheme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grapheme. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!