open letter

noun

: a published letter of protest or appeal usually addressed to an individual but intended for the general public

Examples of open letter in a Sentence

In an open letter to the company, a citizens' group implored company executives to reconsider their decision to close the factory.

Recent Examples on the Web

Ruffalo has been one of the most outspoken critics of the deal, spearheading numerous open letters, op-eds and social media posts opposing the acquisition. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026

The 2026 event in Vienna also saw thousands of protesters, while over 1,000 artists signed an open letter calling for a boycott of Eurovision. — Shira Li Bartov, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026

The Pentagon declined to comment and referred CNN to an open letter published Friday from Navy Capt. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

In an open letter to the community, Superintendent Robert McDermott explained that power was finally restored to all of the district’s buildings on Tuesday, although internet access still isn’t reliable in all locations. — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for open letter

• carburetter
• carburettor
• abettor
• newsletter
• typesetter
• better
• bettor
• debtor
• fetter
• getter
• netter
• petter

Kids Definition

open letter

noun

: a letter (as one addressed to an official) for the public to see and printed in a newspaper or magazine