literacy

noun

lit·​er·​a·​cy ˈli-t(ə-)rə-sē How to pronounce literacy (audio)
: the quality or state of being literate
a program to promote adult literacy

Examples of literacy in a Sentence

The program is intended to promote adult literacy among people who have had very little schooling. Their goal is to achieve basic literacy.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Instead, institutions should integrate practical AI literacy into career-specific programs and lean on strategic partnerships with industry employers. Michael Hansen, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 The Fort Worth Independent School District is adopting a new phonics program that officials say will further support the district’s mission to turn around its stagnant academic performance and improve its literacy scores. Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2025 Libraries are where parents bring toddlers for early literacy programs, where teens find safety and support after school, where older adults combat isolation, and where immigrants prepare for citizenship. Linda Johnson, New York Daily News, 27 June 2025 From an early age, Dave instilled Denise and her siblings with the importance of financial literacy. Alex Gurley, People.com, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for literacy

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of literacy was in 1880

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Literacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/literacy. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

literacy

noun
lit·​er·​a·​cy ˈlit-ə-rə-sē How to pronounce literacy (audio)
ˈli-trə-sē
: the quality or state of being literate
computer literacy
especially : ability to read and write

More from Merriam-Webster on literacy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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