DictionaryletterAlphabet character
noun / verb

letter

A written symbol belonging to an alphabet.

She writes each letter of her name on the board.

Etymology

Latin littera named an alphabetic letter. The modern sense preserves that basic unit of writing, a visible symbol representing speech within an alphabet.

More examples

  • The word “cat” has three letters.
  • Each sentence begins with a capital letter.
  • He carefully letters the sign by hand.

Forms

letter · letters · lettered · lettering

Similar words

character
Includes letters, numbers, and other marks used in writing.
symbol
Broader term for a mark representing something, not necessarily alphabetic.