Definition of Ethiopic alphabet
: an alphabet of South Semitic origin in which the vocalization is indicated by modification of the basic character (as by the addition of small appendages or by shortening or lengthening of one of the main strokes) and in use since the 4th century a.d. in writing Ethiopic and since about 1600 in adapted form also for Amharic, Tigre, and Tigrinya
Learn More About Ethiopic alphabet
Statistics for Ethiopic alphabet
Look-up Popularity
Cite this Entry
“Ethiopic alphabet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Ethiopic%20alphabet. Accessed 25 Jun. 2022.
Style: MLA
MLA
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Chicago
APA
Merriam-Webster
Test Your Vocabulary
Odd Habits and Quirks
-
- Which of the following best describes an easily irritated person?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Commonly Confused Words Quiz
Take a (break/brake) and (pore/pour) over this (c...
Take the quiz
-
Words Named After People
Find out who’s behind "leotard," "morphine," an...
Take the quiz
-
True or False?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something a...
Take the quiz
-
Spelling Bee Quiz
Can you outdo past winners of the National Spelli...
Take the quiz
Share Ethiopic alphabet
Time Traveler for Ethiopic alphabet
The first known use of Ethiopic alphabet was in 1801
See more words from the same year