letter

noun

• 1a character representing one or more of the sounds used in speech; any of the symbols of an alphabet:a capital letter
• (letters) British informal the initials of a degree or other qualification:your personality matters far more than letters after your name
• US a school or college initial as a mark of proficiency, especially in sport: [as modifier]:a letter jacket

• 2a written, typed, or printed communication, sent in an envelope by post or messenger:he sent a letter to Mrs Falconer
• (letters) a legal or formal document.

• 3 (the letter) the precise terms of a statement or requirement; the strict verbal interpretation:we must keep the spirit of the law as well as the letter

• 4 (letters) literature:the world of letters
• archaic scholarly knowledge; erudition.

• 5 [mass noun] Printing a style of typeface.

verb

• 1 [with object] inscribe letters or writing on:her name was lettered in gold
• classify with letters:he numbered and lettered the paragraphs

• 2 [no object] US informal be given a school or college initial as a mark of proficiency in sport: in high school she lettered in soccer, basketball and softball