lets; let; letting
1
: to allow or permit (someone or something) to do something
Let them go.
I'll be happy to help you if you'll let me (help you).
A break in the clouds let us see the summit. [=made it possible for us to see the summit]
Don't let this opportunity slip away!
Let me see the bruise.
I don't believe in letting children do whatever they want to do. = I don't believe that people should let children do whatever they want to do.
My philosophy is "Live and let live." [=live your life as you choose and let other people do the same]
2
a
—used in speech when you are making a polite offer to help someone
Let me help you with those packages. [=I would be happy to help you with those packages]
Let me do that for you.
b
—used to introduce a polite statement or request
Let me begin by saying how happy I am to see you here today. [=I want to begin by saying how happy I am to see you]
Please let me know [=tell me] what you decide.
c
formal
—used to introduce a command
"The ambassadors have arrived, your Majesty." "Let them not wait a moment longer; let them enter at once."
Let there be music and laughter!
—sometimes used figuratively in a way that is not formalLet it rain all day—I don't care.
d
—used to express a warning
Just let her try to do it again! [=she will be in trouble if she tries to do it again]
3
a
Note: Let's and (more formally) let us are used to introduce statements that express a wish, request, suggestion, or command.
b
Note: The phrase let's go is used in speech to tell someone to go or work faster.
c
Note: The phrase let us pray is used to introduce a prayer.
d
Note: The phrases let's face it and let's be honest are used to say that something is true and cannot be denied.
4
a
: to allow someone to use (something) in return for payment : rent
They have rooms to let. [=rooms that people can rent to live in]
b
chiefly British
: to be rented or leased for a specified amount of money
The flat lets [=rents] for 350 pounds a month.
5
always followed by an adverb or preposition
: to allow (someone or something) to go, pass by, etc.
Let me out!
She locked the door and refused to let him in.
The guard refused to let us through the gate.
Let me through/past! [=let me move through a group of people, past a barrier, etc.]
plural lets
tennis
: a serve that is not accepted or allowed officially and must be done again
The first serve was a let.
Cite this Entry
“Let.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/let. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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