addressed; addressing; addresses
Definition of address
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: to mark directions for delivery on
address a letter
b
: to consign to the care of another (such as an agent or factor)
2a
: to direct the efforts or attention of (oneself)
will address himself to the problem
b
: to deal with : treat
… intrigued by the chance to address important issues …— I. L. Horowitz
3a
: to communicate directly
addresses his thanks to his host
b
: to speak or write directly to
especially
: to deliver a formal speech to
The president will address the nation by television.
4
: to greet by a prescribed form
how to address an archbishop
5
golf
: to adjust the club and one's stance preparatory to hitting (the ball)
6
: to identify (something, such as a computer peripheral or memory location) by an address or a name for information transfer
obsolete
: to direct one's speech or attentions
address
nounDefinition of address (Entry 2 of 2)
1a
: a place where a person or organization may be communicated with
asked for her name, address, and phone number
b
: directions for delivery on the outside of an object (such as a letter or package)
an envelope with an illegible address
c
: the designation of place of delivery placed between the heading and salutation on a business letter
d
: the designation of an account from which one can send or receive email
an email address
2a
: a location (as in the memory of a computer) where particular information is stored
b
: a series of usually alphanumeric characters that specifies the storage location (as on a network or in a computer's memory) of particular information
an Internet address A unique number called an IP address identifies every computer that's connected to the Internet. An IP address looks something like this: 24.62.89.4. Each of the four parts of an IP address can have from one to three digits.— Kim Komando
3
: a formal communication
especially
: a prepared speech delivered to a special audience or on a special occasion
Lincoln's Gettysburg Address
4
: dutiful and courteous attention especially in courtship
—usually used in plural She spurned his addresses."Here is a young man wishing to pay his addresses to you, with everything to recommend him."— Jane Austen
5a
: readiness and capability for dealing (as with a person or problem) skillfully and smoothly : adroitness
b
obsolete
: a making ready
also
: a state of preparedness
6a
: manner of bearing oneself
a man of rude address
b
: manner of speaking or singing : delivery
was pleased with the tenor's ease of address
7
golf
: the stance of the player and the position of the club preparatory to hitting the ball
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
Who Knew?
-
- What is a ruelle?

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Anagram puzzles meet word search.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Share address
Time Traveler for address
The first known use of address was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century