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letter

n. · v.
US //ˈɫɛtɝ// UK //lˈɛtɐ// let·ter
  1. 1 alphabet symbol (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    a sign or symbol used in writing that represents a sound.

    a character or symbol representing one or more of the sounds used in speech; any of the symbols of an alphabet.

    Example

    The word 'apple' begins with the letter A.

    Example

    The child carefully traced each letter of the alphabet, focusing on the distinction between uppercase and lowercase forms.
  2. 2 written message (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    a written or printed message that you send to someone in an envelope.

    a written, typed, or printed communication, typically sent by post or messenger.

    Example

    I wrote a long letter to my grandmother to tell her about my new job.

    Example

    She received a formal letter from the university confirming that her application had been successful and outlining the next steps for enrollment.
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  1. 3 literal meaning (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Law

    the exact words of a law or rule, rather than the general idea.

    the precise wording of a document or law, often contrasted with its 'spirit' or intended purpose.

    Example

    The judge followed the letter of the law even though it seemed unfair.

    Example

    While the company technically followed the letter of the agreement, their aggressive tactics clearly violated the spirit of the partnership.
    • literalness
    • exactness
  2. 4 paper size (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English

    a standard size of paper used in North America.

    a standard paper size measuring 8.5 by 11 inches, primarily used in the United States and Canada.

    Example

    Please print the report on letter size paper, not A4.

    Example

    The document was formatted for letter size, causing the margins to appear distorted when printed on the standard European A4 sheets.

  3. 5 to add text (v.)
    C1 Advanced Technical

    to draw or paint letters onto a surface.

    to inscribe, engrave, or paint alphabetic characters onto a surface.

    Example

    The artist spent hours lettering the sign by hand.

    Example

    The stonecutter was commissioned to letter the monument, requiring a steady hand and precise knowledge of classical typography.
Etymology 1

From Middle English letter, lettre, from Old French letre, from Latin littera (“letter of the alphabet"; in plural, "epistle”). Displaced Old English bōcstæf (literally “book staff”) in sense 1 and ǣrendġewrit (literally “message writing”) in sense 2.

Etymology 2

From Middle English letere, equivalent to let + -er.

Word family
Idioms3 entries

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