alphabet
noun
al·pha·bet
ˈal-fə-ˌbet 
-bət
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
Examples of alphabet in a Sentence
The Roman alphabet begins with “A” and ends with “Z.”
you need to learn the alphabet of genealogy before you can move on to more advanced study
Recent Examples on the Web
Seth questioned, before Ashe and Axel quickly clarified that their little sister wasn’t dressed as the alphabet.
—
Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Nov. 2025
Although writing out the alphabet is optional for this recipe, holiday light cupcakes will instantly bring back memories from season one.
—Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Nov. 2025
Suddenly, one tongue wears four alphabets.
—Literary Hub, 24 Nov. 2025
Since Indiana starts distributing SNAP benefits on the fifth of each month, people whose names are at the beginning of the alphabet have already missed their November payment.
—Hayleigh Colombo, IndyStar, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alphabet
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Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Nov. 2025
Although writing out the alphabet is optional for this recipe, holiday light cupcakes will instantly bring back memories from season one.
—Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Nov. 2025
Suddenly, one tongue wears four alphabets.
—Literary Hub, 24 Nov. 2025
Since Indiana starts distributing SNAP benefits on the fifth of each month, people whose names are at the beginning of the alphabet have already missed their November payment.
—Hayleigh Colombo, IndyStar, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alphabet
Cite this Entry
“Alphabet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alphabet. Accessed 5 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
alphabet
noun
al·pha·bet
ˈal-fə-ˌbet
-bət
1
: the letters of a language arranged in their usual order
2
: a system of signs or signals that serve as equivalents for letters
Etymology
Middle English alphabete "alphabet," derived from Greek alphabētos "alphabet," from alpha and bēta, the first and second letters of the Greek alphabet
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