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
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
The free version of Memrise doesn't teach the Thai alphabet at all, which is a shame.
—
PC Magazine, 16 Apr. 2025
All of this is made possible through the elegant, limitlessly expressive writing system that is musical notation, which is as miraculous as the alphabet itself, and can be used for purposes every bit as varied.
—Matthew Aucoin, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2025
Words have always embraced me, and the alphabet dances in my brain.
—Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
Introduction to Arabic Calligraphy: Discover the timeless art of Arabic calligraphy through the artistic practice of handwriting based on Arabic alphabet.
—Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alphabet
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PC Magazine, 16 Apr. 2025
All of this is made possible through the elegant, limitlessly expressive writing system that is musical notation, which is as miraculous as the alphabet itself, and can be used for purposes every bit as varied.
—Matthew Aucoin, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2025
Words have always embraced me, and the alphabet dances in my brain.
—Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
Introduction to Arabic Calligraphy: Discover the timeless art of Arabic calligraphy through the artistic practice of handwriting based on Arabic alphabet.
—Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alphabet
Cite this Entry
“Alphabet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alphabet. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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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