noun
letter
LEH-tuh
noun
1
A written symbol representing a sound of a language, used to build words; one character of the alphabet.
"The word "cat" has three letters."
2
A written message sent from one person to another, usually by post.
"She wrote a long letter to her grandmother every month."
"The company sent a letter confirming the job offer."
How to Use Letter
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a single character of the alphabet, or a written message sent to someone.
Common pairings
a letter of the alphabet
write a letter
a cover letter
to the letter
Word Forms
lettered past tense, letters plural, letters singular
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “letter”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The word "cat" has three _____.
Etymology
From Old French lettre, from Latin littera, meaning both "letter of the alphabet" and, in the plural, "written message."