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
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
If all 21 names are used in a particularly active year, the WMO has a supplemental list ready, but the Greek alphabet is no longer used, following a rule change in 2021.
—
Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
Rose told Guinness that Joseph knows the Greek alphabet and is currently learning Morse code.
—Toria Sheffield, People.com, 31 May 2025
By her second birthday, Alisa had already mastered the alphabet and could count into the hundreds.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2025
In the past, those have included henna tattoos or the chance to write your name in a different alphabet, such as Chinese characters.
—Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for alphabet
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Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 June 2025
Rose told Guinness that Joseph knows the Greek alphabet and is currently learning Morse code.
—Toria Sheffield, People.com, 31 May 2025
By her second birthday, Alisa had already mastered the alphabet and could count into the hundreds.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2025
In the past, those have included henna tattoos or the chance to write your name in a different alphabet, such as Chinese characters.
—Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for alphabet
Cite this Entry
“Alphabet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alphabet. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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