literacy

noun

lit·​er·​a·​cy ˈli-t(ə-)rə-sē How to pronounce literacy (audio)
Synonyms of literacy
: the quality or state of being literate
a program to promote adult literacy

Synonyms of literacy

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Examples of literacy in a Sentence

The program is intended to promote adult literacy among people who have had very little schooling. Their goal is to achieve basic literacy.
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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.
The 200 students in the literacy program receive a Shop with a Cop Foundation Silicon Valley shopping spree during the holiday season. — Sharon Chin, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 Despite the claims and clamor, well into the twenty-first century, less than 40 percent of American twelfth graders are proficient in basic literacy. — Kamau Bobb october 21, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026 He was born into enslavement in Edgefield District, South Carolina, bound by laws that forbade Black literacy. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 21 Oct. 2026 The ads also call into question Báez-Geller’s connection to Emgage Florida, a civic organization that focuses on building political literacy, civic equity, and mobilizing Muslim-American voters and other minority groups. — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for literacy

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of literacy was in 1880

Phrases Containing literacy

Rhymes for literacy

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Browse Nearby Words

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literacy
literal
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Cite this Entry

“Literacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/literacy. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

literacy

noun
lit·​er·​a·​cy ˈlit-ə-rə-sē How to pronounce literacy (audio)
ˈli-trə-sē
: the quality or state of being literate
computer literacy
especially : ability to read and write

More from Merriam-Webster on literacy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about literacy

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