open letter

noun

: a published letter of protest or appeal usually addressed to an individual but intended for the general public

Examples of open letter in a Sentence

In an open letter to the company, a citizens' group implored company executives to reconsider their decision to close the factory.
Recent Examples on the Web Vũ’s statement and the artists’ open letter place blame squarely on the Board of Directors and its chair, Angulo. Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 10 May 2024 More than 250 Jewish students at Columbia University have signed an open letter to the school community sharing their experience with antisemitism on campus and inviting peace and reconciliation. Chris Pandolfo, Fox News, 8 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for open letter 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'open letter.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of open letter was in 1898

Dictionary Entries Near open letter

Cite this Entry

“Open letter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open%20letter. Accessed 17 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

open letter

noun
: a letter (as one addressed to an official) for the public to see and printed in a newspaper or magazine

More from Merriam-Webster on open letter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!