alphabet
noun
al·pha·bet ˈal-fə-ˌbet 
-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
: rudiments, elements
Synonyms
- ABC(s)
- basics
- elements
- essentials
- fundamentals
- grammar
- principles
- rudiments
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
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 Canaanite writing eventually split into the alphabet that ancient Israelites used to write the Hebrew Bible and a version used by Phoenicians. 
Livia Gershon, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Apr. 2021 The latter was used sporadically and fell out of use with the collapse of urban areas across the Middle East around 1800 B.C.E. Mesopotamian cuneiform and, later, the Greek alphabet and other scripts filled the gap. Andrew Lawler, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Aug. 2022 Just like adults, kids need plenty of protein, carbs and fat for energy, as well as minerals and the alphabet of vitamins for good immunity and cellular growth and function, London adds. Alyssa Jung, Good Housekeeping, 31 May 2022 Grasping its meaning requires crossing differences in alphabet and pronunciation, thinking our way into the experience of a bilingual society at war with a fascist empire. New York Times, 22 Apr. 2022 After two years of alphabet-depleting hurricane seasons, 2022 looks to be more of the same, according to predictions from weather site AccuWeather. Richard Tribou, orlandosentinel.com, 30 Mar. 2022 Families scattered across continents, their names altered by immigration authorities or the alphabet of their new home. Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2022 In one, the singers recite the Serbian alphabet and layer nursery rhymes as the dancers face off in a playful contest. Heidi Waleson, WSJ, 2 Feb. 2022 But layoffs continue to come for young digital health companies, with a spate of announcements hitting the third letter of the alphabet. Katie Palmer And Casey Ross, STAT, 28 July 2022 See More
Livia Gershon, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Apr. 2021 The latter was used sporadically and fell out of use with the collapse of urban areas across the Middle East around 1800 B.C.E. Mesopotamian cuneiform and, later, the Greek alphabet and other scripts filled the gap. Andrew Lawler, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Aug. 2022 Just like adults, kids need plenty of protein, carbs and fat for energy, as well as minerals and the alphabet of vitamins for good immunity and cellular growth and function, London adds. Alyssa Jung, Good Housekeeping, 31 May 2022 Grasping its meaning requires crossing differences in alphabet and pronunciation, thinking our way into the experience of a bilingual society at war with a fascist empire. New York Times, 22 Apr. 2022 After two years of alphabet-depleting hurricane seasons, 2022 looks to be more of the same, according to predictions from weather site AccuWeather. Richard Tribou, orlandosentinel.com, 30 Mar. 2022 Families scattered across continents, their names altered by immigration authorities or the alphabet of their new home. Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2022 In one, the singers recite the Serbian alphabet and layer nursery rhymes as the dancers face off in a playful contest. Heidi Waleson, WSJ, 2 Feb. 2022 But layoffs continue to come for young digital health companies, with a spate of announcements hitting the third letter of the alphabet. Katie Palmer And Casey Ross, STAT, 28 July 2022 See More 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
Phrases Containing alphabet
Kids Definition
alphabet
noun
al·pha·bet ˈal-fə-ˌbet
: the letters of a language arranged in their usual order
alphabet
noun
as in elements
general or basic truths on which other truths or theories can be based you need to learn the alphabet of genealogy before you can move on to more advanced study Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- elements
- grammar
- principles
- basis
- basics
- rudiments
- philosophy
- law
- fundamentals
- foundation
- rule
- essentials
- ABC(s)
- doctrine
- theorem
- axiom
- cornerstone
- keystone
- standard
- belief
- groundwork
- bedrock
- dogma
- underpinning
- canon
- tenet
- precept
- faith
- nitty-gritty
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- details
- trivia