aleph-bet

noun

variants or alef-bet

ˈä-ˌlef-ˈbet 

-ləf-

: the Hebrew alphabet

In Hebrew each letter in the aleph-bet has a numerical value.

—Loris DeMarco, Sweeter Than Honey, 2008

But an acrostic composition, which presupposes not only the invention of the Hebrew alef-bet but also a literate milieu, was intended for appreciation in written form, whereby appeal is made to the eye.

—Dictionary of the Old Testament, 2008

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Modern Hebrew āleph-bēyth

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!