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

• elements
• principles
• grammar
• basis

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 irony, of course, is that Elon Musk summarily changed the name of Twitter to X in July 2023 (as X is apparently his favorite letter of the alphabet). —Todd Spangler, Variety, 9 July 2025

Gone are the days when we were limited to the 26 letters of the alphabet to make up slang words and phrases. —Liz Regalia, Parents, 30 June 2025

The organization then votes on a new one to replace it, choosing a name that begins with the same letter of the alphabet. —Tom Brown, Space.com, 29 June 2025

At the same time, a letter of the alphabet could not be registered properly. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 28 June 2025

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

Rhymes for alphabet

• arpanet
• bayonet
• biuret
• cigarette
• clarinet
• coronet
• coverlet
• dataset
• epithet
• ethernet
• heavyset
• internet

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