alphabet

noun

al·​pha·​bet ˈal-fə-ˌbet How to pronounce alphabet (audio)
-bət
1
a
: a set of letters or other characters with which one or more languages are written especially if arranged in a customary order
b
: a system of signs or signals that serve as equivalents for letters
2
alphabet table

Examples of alphabet in a Sentence

The Roman alphabet begins with “A” and ends with “Z.” you need to learn the alphabet of genealogy before you can move on to more advanced study
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.
Another childlike exercise: Go through the whole alphabet, naming things around you that start with each letter. Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 15 Oct. 2024 South Korea was closed for Hangul Day, a holiday commemorating the invention of Hangul, the Korean alphabet. Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 More recently, Voynich scholars had noted what seems to be a Roman alphabet written in the right-hand margin of that first page. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 9 Sep. 2024 After all 21 names on the list have been assigned to a storm, forecasters will use the Greek alphabet to name storms until the season ends. Abigail Adams, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for alphabet 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English alphabete, from Late Latin alphabetum, from Greek alphabētos, from alpha + bēta beta

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of alphabet was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near alphabet

Cite this Entry

“Alphabet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alphabet. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

alphabet

noun
al·​pha·​bet ˈal-fə-ˌbet How to pronounce alphabet (audio)
-bət
1
: the letters of a language arranged in their usual order
2
: a system of signs or signals that serve as equivalents for letters
Etymology

Middle English alphabete "alphabet," derived from Greek alphabētos "alphabet," from alpha and bēta, the first and second letters of the Greek alphabet

More from Merriam-Webster on alphabet

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!