alphabet

noun

al·​pha·​bet ˈal-fə-ˌbet How to pronounce alphabet (audio)
-bət
Synonyms of alphabetnext
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.
According to the police report, Diaz-Torres failed balancing tests, walking in a straight line and reciting the alphabet. Christy Gutowski, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026 The trouble was, the Latin alphabet now had no letter for this sound. Literary Hub, 25 June 2026 Since launching her YouTube channel in 2019, educator and children's entertainer Rachel Griffin Accurso has become one of the most powerful forces in kids' media, teaching millions of toddlers everything from the alphabet to emotional regulation. Steven Bertoni, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 All of the sculptures are fashioned from connected letters, pulled from the various alphabets used in writing across the world’s cultures. Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 7 June 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Alphabet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alphabet. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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

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