variants often U
plural u's or us ˈyüz How to pronounce u (audio)
often attributive
1
a
: the 21st letter of the English alphabet
b
: a graphic representation of this letter
c
: a speech counterpart of orthographic u
2
: a graphic device for reproducing the letter u
3
: one designated u especially as the 21st in order or class
4
[abbreviation for unsatisfactory]
a
: a grade rating a student's work as unsatisfactory
b
: one graded or rated with a U
5
: something shaped like the letter U

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Words Starting With U

Browse 8,266 words and phrases that start with the letter U, from uakari to Uzbek.

Examples of u in a Sentence

There are three u's in “unusual.” a word that starts with u

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of u was before the 12th century

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Cite this Entry

“U.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/u. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

u

noun
ˈyü
often capitalized
: the 21st letter of the English alphabet

Medical Definition

U

1 of 2 abbreviation
uracil

U

2 of 2 symbol
uranium

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