What does "abcs" mean?

1. (the alphabet) the letters of the alphabet, especially when children are learning them. 2. (the basics) the simplest and most important facts about a topic. 3. (alphabetical poem) a poem where each line or section starts with a different letter of the alphabet in order.

How do you use "abcs"?

always used in the plural form often followed by the preposition 'of'

abcs

US //ˈeɪˌbiˌsiz// abcs

1 the alphabet (n.)
A1 Beginner

the letters of the alphabet, especially when children are learning them.

the alphabet, typically the English alphabet, often used in the context of early literacy.

Example

The toddler is already starting to sing her ABCs along with the video.

Example

Primary education focuses heavily on mastering the ABCs before moving on to complex sentence structures and reading comprehension.

Usage

always used in the plural form
- alphabet
2 the basics (n.)
B1 Intermediate Informal

the simplest and most important facts about a topic.

the fundamental principles or rudimentary facts of a particular subject.

Example

You need to learn the ABCs of cooking before you try a difficult recipe.

Example

The introductory seminar covers the ABCs of financial management to ensure all new employees understand the company's reporting standards.

Usage

often followed by the preposition 'of'
- complexities
- minutiae

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3 alphabetical poem (n.)
C2 Proficiency Archaic Literary Theatre

a poem where each line or section starts with a different letter of the alphabet in order.

a poetic form, also known as an abecedarius, in which lines or stanzas follow the sequence of the alphabet.

Example

The monk wrote a long poem in the form of the ABCs to help students remember their letters.

Example

Chaucer's 'An ABC' is a notable example of a prayer written as an alphabetical poem, with each stanza beginning with a successive letter.
- abecedarius