alphabet
noun
al·pha·bet
ˈal-fə-ˌbet 
-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
Synonyms
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
In the series, the mischievous Cat and his sidekick, the ever-cautious Fish, strike out on kooky adventures that feature alphabet song sing-a-longs, tremendous tongue-twisters, and wondrous wordplay.
—
Spenser Mestel, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Dec. 2024
Among their main fixations is modern Turkish, a language made up of flashy imports—French and English cognates, a new alphabet—and antique idioms.
—Merve Emre, The New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2024
The book includes eight pages of activities, including pieces that snap together, Velcro alphabet, shapes, colors, and even a puzzle.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 23 Nov. 2024
That includes a year when there were so many storms forecasters ran out of names and had to use the Greek alphabet.
—Seth Borenstein, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for alphabet 
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Spenser Mestel, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Dec. 2024
Among their main fixations is modern Turkish, a language made up of flashy imports—French and English cognates, a new alphabet—and antique idioms.
—Merve Emre, The New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2024
The book includes eight pages of activities, including pieces that snap together, Velcro alphabet, shapes, colors, and even a puzzle.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 23 Nov. 2024
That includes a year when there were so many storms forecasters ran out of names and had to use the Greek alphabet.
—Seth Borenstein, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for alphabet
Dictionary Entries Near alphabet
Cite this Entry
“Alphabet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alphabet. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
alphabet
noun
al·pha·bet
ˈal-fə-ˌbet
-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
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