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

2

: rudiments, elements

Synonyms of alphabet

• elements
• principles
• grammar
• basis

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

Divination practices often use Tarot cards or the ogham alphabet, which was originally employed in early medieval Irish and Pictish inscriptions. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026

Skip the alphabet rug in favor or something with a little history. — Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026

It’s designed to help parents teach numbers, counting, the alphabet, colors, shapes, fine motor skills and more. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 23 July 2026

How did a society just getting to grips with the alphabet produce works of such sophistication? — Literary Hub, 17 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing alphabet

• alphabet soup
• Arabic alphabet
• Aramaic alphabet
• Latin alphabet
• manual alphabet
• mixed alphabet
• phonetic alphabet
• the Roman alphabet

Rhymes for alphabet

• arpanet
• bassinet
• bayonet
• biuret
• cigarette
• clarinet
• coronet
• coverlet
• dataset
• epithet
• ethernet
• heavyset

Kids 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