alphabet

noun

al·​pha·​bet ˈal-fə-ˌbet How to pronounce alphabet (audio)
-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
alphabet table

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of alphabet was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near alphabet

Cite this Entry

“Alphabet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alphabet. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

alphabet

noun
al·​pha·​bet ˈal-fə-ˌbet How to pronounce alphabet (audio)
-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

More from Merriam-Webster on alphabet

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