braille

noun

variants or Braille
: a system of writing for the blind that uses characters made up of raised dots
braille transitive verb
brailled; brailling
braillist noun

Illustration of braille

Illustration of braille
  • braille alphabet

Did you know?

In 1824, Louis Braille invented the system we call braille, a universal system of writing and printing for the blind. Characters embossed on paper are read by passing the fingers lightly over the manuscript. The system is based on a matrix of six raised dots arranged in two columns of three. The 63 combinations possible in this framework stand for letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and common words like and and the. A braille code for English was not adopted until 1932. Modifications also exist for other languages, for mathematical and technical material, and for musical notation. Braille may be handwritten—from right to left— using a stylus to press dots into a piece of paper between hinged metal plates When the sheet is turned over, the dots face up, and are read from left to right. Braille typewriters and electric embossing machines are also used.

Examples of braille in a Sentence

a book made available in braille
Recent Examples on the Web The new titles are available for in-person browsing at seven branch locations, selected based on circulation and demand of braille titles. The Indianapolis Star, 29 Feb. 2024 The Indianapolis Public Library has expanded its offering of braille books. The Indianapolis Star, 29 Feb. 2024 In 2019, Gaba was the first person to read a pick written in braille during the NFL draft. Steve Gardner, USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2024 There, signs — including a version in braille for low vision or blind guests — ask like the invitations for guests’ specific requests or needs. Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Dec. 2023 In terms of accessibility, some guest rooms are ADA compliant, and all guest rooms and suites have braille room number signs. Liz Cantrell, Travel + Leisure, 6 Nov. 2023 Utrecht University 3 Lego releases braille bricks for blind and visually impaired kids Lego is making playing more inclusive. Catherine Garcia, The Week, 31 Aug. 2023 Learning braille leads to better spelling, reading and writing skills, The European Blind Union stated, as well as improved employment opportunities in the future. Catherine Garcia, The Week, 31 Aug. 2023 Two baseplates to build your Legos on are also included in the set, which comes in a package detailed with braille embossing. Gabe Hauari, USA TODAY, 25 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'braille.' 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

Louis Braille

First Known Use

1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of braille was in 1853

Dictionary Entries Near braille

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

braille

noun
often capitalized
: a system of writing for the blind in which letters are represented by raised dots
Etymology

named for Louis Braille who developed the system

Medical Definition

braille

noun
often capitalized
: a system of writing for the blind that uses characters made up of raised dots
braille transitive verb
brailled; brailling

Biographical Definition

Braille

biographical name

ˈbrāl How to pronounce Braille (audio)
ˈbrī
Louis 1809–1852 French blind teacher of the blind

More from Merriam-Webster on braille

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