letter

¹let·ter

noun \ˈle-tər\

Definition of LETTER

1

: a symbol usually written or printed representing a speech sound and constituting a unit of an alphabet

2

a : a direct or personal written or printed message addressed to a person or organization

b : a written communication containing a grant —usually used in plural

3

plural but sing or plural in constr

a : literature, belles lettres

b : learning

4

: the strict or outward sense or significance <the letter of the law>

5

a : a single piece of type

b : a style of type

6

: the initial of a school awarded to a student for achievement usually in athletics

Origin of LETTER

Middle English, from Anglo-French lettre, from Latin littera letter of the alphabet, litterae, plural, epistle, literature

First Known Use: 13th century

Other Alphabet Terms

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

Rhymes with LETTER

better, bettor, debtor, fetter, getter, netter, petter, setter, sweater, tetter, whetter

²letter

verb

Definition of LETTER

transitive verb

1

: to set down in letters : print

2

: to mark with letters

intransitive verb

: to win an athletic letter

— let·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun

First Known Use of LETTER

1668

Rhymes with LETTER

better, fetter, netter, petter, whetter

³let·ter

noun \ˈle-tər\

Definition of LETTER

: one that rents or leases

First Known Use of LETTER

1552