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

• ABC(s)
• basics
• elements
• essentials
• fundamentals
• grammar
• principles
• rudiments

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

The brand’s new collection, Bubblegum, consists of the full alphabet, 15 charms in multicolored resin, and eight charms made in 9-karat gold with sapphires or diamonds that are available in-store and online. —Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 17 July 2024

During a particularly active hurricane season, the WMO uses a supplemental list of names in lieu of the Greek alphabet, which was used until 2021. —Kirsty Hatcher, Peoplemag, 1 July 2024

Hurricane names picked use only 21 letters of the alphabet because there are few names that start with Q, U, X, Z and Y. Also, English, Spanish and French names are all used to reflect geographical coverage of Atlantic and Caribbean storms. —Patrick McCreless, Miami Herald, 20 June 2024

Medigap policies are standardized, and there are typically about eight different plans from which a new Medicare enrollee can choose (denoted by letter of the alphabet), all with varying benefits and costs. —The Enquirer, 12 June 2024

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

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