What does letter mean?
A letter is one of the basic units of writing, a symbol used to form an alphabet. By extension, it can mean a written message sent to someone, including correspondence posted through the mail and, in informal contexts, a message sent electronically. The word also appears in specialized expressions in which it means the precise wording or requirements of a law, agreement, or official document, as in “the letter of the law.” In older literary usage, a letter could describe artistic excellence or the quality of a literary work. Because these meanings are closely connected, the surrounding context usually makes the intended sense clear. In everyday conversation, “letter” most often refers either to a member of the alphabet or to a written message.
A written character belonging to an alphabet, or a written message sent to someone. It can also refer to the exact wording of a law or agreement, a person’s character, or literary excellence in an archaic sense.
"The letter appears at the beginning of the company’s name."
The meaning varies by context: an alphabetic character, a piece of correspondence, an electronic message, or the precise terms of a rule.
To correspond with someone by written messages; to mark with letters or lettering; to authorize or give official approval to.
"The department head lettered the agreement before it was circulated."
The verb is less common than the noun and is especially used in formal administrative contexts or when referring to writing or marking a document.
The plural refers to multiple alphabetic characters, multiple written messages, or multiple people regarded as having a particular character, depending on context.
"The children are learning to write the letters of the alphabet."
The word for an alphabetic symbol is also the word for a written message—and, in phrases such as “the letter of the law,” for a rule’s exact wording.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does letter come from?
The word comes through Old French lettre from Latin littera, meaning a written character or letter of the alphabet. Latin littera was also the source of related English words such as literal, literature, and literacy. Over time, the word’s meaning broadened from an individual written character to a written communication sent to someone. The form with a final r reflects the influence of Middle English and later spelling conventions.
Related word forms
How letter is actually used
The word is highly common and context-dependent. “Letter” can mean an alphabetic character, mail, an electronic message, or the exact wording of a rule. The sense referring to literary merit is now archaic and literary, while the legal and institutional senses are formal.
Easily confused with letter
A letter is an alphabetic character or written message, whereas later means occurring at a more advanced time.
A letter is one of the written symbols that make up an alphabet, while a word is a meaningful unit made up of one or more such symbols.