letter letter /ˈlɛtɝ/

noun

1. () A written message addressed to a person or organization  ( missive , letter )
   a written message addressed to a person or organization
    Mailed an indignant letter to the editor
   mailed an indignant letter to the editor
   
   
2. () The conventional characters of the alphabet used to represent speech  ( letter of the alphabet , alphabetic character , letter )
   the conventional characters of the alphabet used to represent speech
    His grandmother taught him his letters
   his grandmother taught him his letters
   
   
3. [ N. American] An award earned by participation in a school sport  ( letter [ N. American] , varsity letter [ N. American] )
   an award earned by participation in a school sport
    He won letters in three sports
   he won letters in three sports
   
4. A strictly literal interpretation (as distinct from the intention)  ( letter )
   a strictly literal interpretation (as distinct from the intention)
    He followed instructions to the letter
   he followed instructions to the letter
    He obeyed the letter of the law
   he obeyed the letter of the law
   
5. Owner who lets another person use something (housing usually) for hire  ( letter )
   owner who lets another person use something (housing usually) for hire
    The apartment owner became a letter, renting out his space to a young couple.
   The apartment owner became a letter, renting out his space to a young couple.
   
   

verb

1. () [ N. American] Win an athletic letter  ( letter [ N. American] )
   win an athletic letter
   
2. Mark letters on or mark with letters  ( letter )
   mark letters on or mark with letters
   
3. Set down or print with letters  ( letter )
   set down or print with letters