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

2

: rudiments, elements

Synonyms

• ABC(s)
• basics
• elements
• essentials
• fundamentals
• grammar
• principles
• rudiments

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

Catbird Tiniest Alphabet Stud $64 Catbird Those in search of personalized gifts—or ideas to commemorate meaningful life events, or a memorable birthday gift—would do well to consider Catbird’s recycled gold alphabet studs, which can be mixed and matched, worn in singles or as pairs. —Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 18 Oct. 2024

Her goal is to eventually own 26 dresses, one for each letter of the alphabet. —Jordan Greene, People.com, 16 Oct. 2024

Julian learned the alphabet and could count to 20 in English and Spanish. —Melanie Asmar, The Denver Post, 3 Oct. 2024

Enlarge / Comparison of letterforms: Marcus Marci vs. revealed alphabet. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 9 Sep. 2024

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

Phrases Containing alphabet

• alphabet soup
• Arabic alphabet
• Aramaic alphabet
• Latin alphabet
• manual alphabet
• mixed alphabet
• phonetic alphabet
• the Roman alphabet

Kids 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