red-letter

adjective

red-let·​ter ˈred-ˌle-tər 

: of special significance

Examples of red-letter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to the federal complaint, Buc-ee's alleges the store's smiling beaver logo, name and red-letter branding are similar enough to its trademarks to create consumer confusion. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that Buc-ee’s filed a federal lawsuit July 28, alleging that the store’s smiling beaver, name and red-letter branding could cause consumers to believe it is affiliated with the roadside super-station chain. — Jason St. Angelo, Louisville Courier Journal, 24 Aug. 2026

The launch date of the iPhone 18 Pro remains a red-letter day for the industry. — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

These days, most red-letter sins in NCAA sports come in gray, and more often invisible ink. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

from the practice of marking holy days in red letters in church calendars

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for red-letter

• abettor
• newsletter
• typesetter
• better
• bettor
• debtor
• fetter
• getter
• letter
• netter
• petter
• rhetor

Kids Definition

red-letter

adjective

red-let·​ter

ˌred-ˌlet-ər

: worth remembering especially in a happy or joyful way

a red-letter day

Etymology

from the practice of marking holy days in red letters in church calendars