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.
People in Japan tend to follow an unwritten commuter culture. Rocky Sharma, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 Brazile, a current ABC News contributor, added that Biden stayed relatively quiet during Trump's first 100 days in office this term, honoring an unwritten presidential tradition, and stressed that Biden deserves a platform. Brittany Shepherd, ABC News, 9 May 2025 But outside this structure, the grove’s true guardians are an unwritten set of taboos and spiritual obligations that forbid logging, hunting, or harming any living thing within its boundaries, explains Alao Eniafe, a local chief in the community, in a text message to The Christian Science Monitor. Ogar Monday, Christian Science Monitor, 8 May 2025 There is, however, one unwritten rule: a pontiff can’t take the name of Peter, out of deference to St. Peter, who is traditionally known as the Catholic Church’s first pope. George Petras, USA Today, 9 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

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Cite this Entry

“Unwritten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwritten. Accessed 28 May. 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
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