EE-mayl
Email (noun) means a system for sending and receiving messages electronically over a network such as the Internet. Example: “The company switched its entire office to a new email system.”
noun
1
A system for sending and receiving messages electronically over a network such as the Internet.
"The company switched its entire office to a new email system."
"Email has made it much easier for friends to stay in touch across the world."
"Many schools now use email to send news to parents."
2
A single message sent electronically through this system.
"I got an email from my landlord this morning."
"Did you read the email I sent you last night?"
"The email arrived with a photo of the new puppy attached."
verb
1
To send a message to someone using this system.
"Can you email me the file when you get a chance?"
"She emailed her boss to say she'd be late."
"I will email the details to everyone in the group tonight."
How to use email
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBoth the whole system of sending digital letters and a single one of those letters — and, as a verb, the act of sending one.
UK vs US
Both British and American English now write it as one word, "email", without a hyphen, though "e-mail" is still seen in older or more formal writing.
Common pairings
send an email
check your email
email address
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Word forms
- Plural
- emails
- Third person singular
- emails
- Past tense
- emailed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The company switched its entire office to a new _____ system.
Etymology
Short for "electronic mail"; the word entered common use in the 1970s alongside the technology itself.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for email
See all rhymes for email →Frequently asked questions
What does “email” mean?
The word “email” means a system for sending and receiving messages electronically over a network such as the Internet. In plain terms, both the whole system of sending digital letters and a single one of those letters — and, as a verb, the act of sending one.
How do you pronounce “email”?
“Email” is pronounced EE-mayl (/ˈiˌmeɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “email” in a sentence?
Here is “email” used in a sentence: “The company switched its entire office to a new email system.”
What part of speech is “email”?
Depending on how it is used, “email” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “email” come from?
The word “email” dates back to around 1970. Short for "electronic mail"; the word entered common use in the 1970s alongside the technology itself.
Is “email” a common word?
“Email” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “email” have?
“Email” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a system for sending and receiving messages electronically over a network such as the Internet.
What is the difference between email and a text message?
Email sends messages over the internet to an address like [email protected], suits longer content, and easily carries attachments and formatting. A text message (SMS) goes phone-to-phone via a mobile number and is built for short, instant notes. Email feels more formal and document-like; texting feels quick and casual.
What are the main parts of an email?
A typical email has a recipient address, an optional carbon-copy (Cc) or blind-copy (Bcc) line, a subject line summarizing the topic, a body containing the main message, and often a signature with the sender's name and details. Files can be attached, and the sender's address is shown automatically.
Is email formal or informal?
Email can be either, depending on context. Business, academic, and job-related messages usually follow a formal structure with a greeting, clear subject, and professional sign-off. Notes to friends and family are often casual. Email's flexibility across both registers is a big reason it remains so widely used.
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