epistle

noun

epis·​tle i-ˈpi-səl 

1

Epistle

a

: one of the letters adopted as books of the New Testament

b

: a liturgical lection usually from one of the New Testament Epistles

2

a

: letter

especially : a formal or elegant letter

b

: a composition in the form of a letter

epistler

i-ˈpi-sə-lər 

noun

Synonyms of epistle

• letter

Examples of epistle in a Sentence

St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans.

He penned lengthy epistles to her.

Recent Examples on the Web

The main theme of the letters over time emphasizes long-term value creation, but the epistles have drawn criticism from the political left and right. —Bydebbie Carlson, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Mar. 2026

For example, in several Epistles, the apostle Paul speaks often about the Christian hope in God through Jesus Christ. —Joanne M. Pierce, The Conversation, 20 Jan. 2026

While hunkered down in the trenches of World War I, a Greek scholar translated some of Paul’s epistles. —Robin Hoagland, Christian Science Monitor, 14 May 2025

As a proud dad, the 38-year-old wrote his firstborn a sweet epistle to acknowledge his birthday. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, letter, Epistle, from Anglo-French, from Latin epistula, epistola letter, from Greek epistolē message, letter, from epistellein to send to, from epi- + stellein to send

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for epistle

• bristle
• fissile
• gristle
• missal
• missile
• nissl
• thistle
• whistle
• abyssal
• dismissal

Kids Definition

epistle

noun

epis·​tle i-ˈpis-əl 

1

capitalized : any of the letters to the early Christians that are part of the New Testament

2

: a formal letter