unwritten

adjective

un·​writ·​ten ˌən-ˈri-tᵊn How to pronounce unwritten (audio)
1
: not expressed in writing : oral, traditional
an unwritten rule
2
: containing no writing : blank

Examples of unwritten in a Sentence

They had an unwritten agreement. an unwritten contract may not be enforceable
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There are unwritten rules for some young law clerks who go to work for federal judges. Carrie Johnson, NPR, 9 June 2025 However, such an unwritten code would be against SEC rules and, regardless, United categorically deny any verbal agreement exists. Adam Crafton, New York Times, 12 May 2025 Much of the unpredictability is down to Francis’ shake-up of the College of Cardinals, with his appointments better reflecting the universal church and ripping up the old, unwritten rule book for choosing cardinals whereby a bishop of a certain diocese was automatically given a red hat. Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 7 May 2025 People in Japan tend to follow an unwritten commuter culture. Rocky Sharma, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for unwritten

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unwritten was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unwritten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwritten. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

unwritten

adjective
un·​writ·​ten ˌən-ˈrit-ᵊn How to pronounce unwritten (audio)
ˈən-
1
: not put in writing : oral, traditional
an unwritten law
2
: containing no writing : blank
unwritten pages

More from Merriam-Webster on unwritten

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!