alphabet

[ˈælfəbɛt]

alphabet Definition

a set of letters or symbols in a fixed order used to represent the basic sounds of a language, especially the set of letters from A to Z.

Using alphabet: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "alphabet" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The English alphabet has 26 letters.

  • Example

    She is learning the Korean alphabet.

  • Example

    The ancient Egyptians used hieroglyphs instead of an alphabet.

Phrases with alphabet

  • a system of spelling out words letter by letter, using words to represent each letter, used especially by pilots, the military, and others when communicating over radio or telephone

    Example

    The NATO phonetic alphabet uses words like 'Alpha,' 'Bravo,' and 'Charlie' to represent the letters of the alphabet.

  • a mixture of letters or characters that is difficult to understand

    Example

    The contract was filled with legal jargon and acronyms, it was like reading alphabet soup.

  • backwards alphabet

    the alphabet recited in reverse order, from Z to A

    Example

    He impressed his friends by reciting the backwards alphabet perfectly.

Origins of alphabet

from Late Latin 'alphabetum', from Greek 'alphabētos', from the first two letters of the Greek alphabet, alpha and beta

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Summary: alphabet in Brief

An 'alphabet' [ˈælfəbɛt] is a set of letters or symbols in a fixed order used to represent the basic sounds of a language. The English alphabet has 26 letters, while other languages may have more or fewer. Phrases like 'phonetic alphabet' and 'alphabet soup' use 'alphabet' to denote specific contexts where letters are used. 'Backwards alphabet' refers to reciting the alphabet in reverse order.

How do native speakers use this expression?