letters

/ˈlɛtərz/
noun
  1. Written messages sent to someone, usually on paper and in an envelope.
    • She received a stack of letters from her pen pal in Japan.
    • I wrote a letter to my grandmother thanking her for the gift.
    • The mailbox was full of bills and personal letters.
  2. The symbols of the alphabet used in writing.
    • The word 'cat' has three letters.
    • Children learn to recognize letters before they learn to read.
    • He painted the letters of the sign in bright red.
  3. Academic or literary knowledge and achievement, especially in the humanities.
    • She is a woman of letters who has written several acclaimed novels.
    • He devoted his life to letters and teaching.
    • The award honors contributions to arts and letters.
  4. Official documents granting a right or authority (often used in legal phrases).
    • The court granted letters of administration to the executor.
    • The king issued letters patent to the explorer.
    • Letters of marque authorized private ships to attack enemy vessels.
What does "letters" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean