variants or less commonly Fractur
1
: a German style of black letter
2
often fraktur : a Pennsylvania German document (such as a birth or wedding certificate) that is written in calligraphy and illuminated with decorative motifs (such as tulips, birds, and scrolls)

Examples of Fraktur in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Unfortunately, Google Translate has trouble reading the stylish Fraktur typeface used in German publications until the 1940s. Jeff Suess, Cincinnati Enquirer, 20 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

German, from Latin fractura fracture

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Fraktur was in 1904

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Cite this Entry

“Fraktur.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Fraktur. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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