phonetic alphabet

noun

1

: a set of symbols (such as the IPA) used for phonetic transcription

2

: any of various systems of identifying letters of the alphabet by means of code words in voice communication

Examples of phonetic alphabet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The clicks are part of a growing sperm whale phonetic alphabet that researchers at CETI are deciphering. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 26 Mar. 2026

Like all fires, the Viveash was parceled into divisions named using the NATO phonetic alphabet, from Alpha to Zebra. — River Selby august 25, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2025

Phonics is where kids are taught a language with a phonetic alphabet by sounding out the letters and separate syllables. — The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 24 Aug. 2025

Then the military would name storms after its phonetic alphabet — Able, Baker, Charlie — but that was replaced by a system that was less confusing and easier to remember. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2025

The author of essays on phonetic alphabets, demography, paper currency. — Adam Smyth, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 May 2024

Before the first wave of drivers loaded their vans, a second series of vans drove uniformly into the bay, parking one after another in rows of four in a launch pad dubbed bravo, like the phonetic alphabet used by the military. — Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 3 Apr. 2024

Storms were originally identified through a phonetic alphabet, such as Adam, Baker, Charlie, and the same names were used during subsequent hurricane seasons. — The Arizona Republic, 8 Sep. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for phonetic alphabet

• abet
• asset
• baguette
• banquette
• barbette
• beget
• beset
• binet
• briquette
• brunet
• brunette
• burette