email

or e-mail

[ ee-meyl ]

noun

1. a system for sending messages to one or more recipients via telecommunications links between computers using dedicated software or a web-based service:

   Communication by email is almost instantaneous.

2. a message sent by email:

   Send me an email about that idea, and I'll get back to you.

3. an address at which a person can receive email messages:

   He’s got my phone number and email in case he needs to contact me.

verb (used with object)

1. to send (a message or file) to (a person or organization) by email: I emailed the company but haven’t heard back yet.

   He emailed his response to the invitation.

   I emailed the company but haven’t heard back yet.

verb (used without object)

1. to send an email; communicate by email or exchange emails: We emailed back and forth for three weeks before actually meeting.

   She emailed to say she’ll be on vacation next week.

   We emailed back and forth for three weeks before actually meeting.

Word History and Origins

Origin of email¹

First recorded in 1975–80; e(lectronic) + mail ¹

Example Sentences

The attorney responded by email: "Is the government allowed to admittedly break the law if an individual is alleged to have broken the law?"

From BBC

Eventually an email came from Meta, telling her that the case was closed, even though she was still unable to access her page.

From BBC

According to an email obtained by The Times, the D.A.’s office declined to take the case, saying the matter was civil, not criminal.

From Los Angeles Times

“President Trump promised mass deportations and by removing the monetary incentive for illegal aliens to come and stay, we will encourage them to self-deport,” the spokeswoman, Elizabeth Huston, told me by email.

From Los Angeles Times

He shared emails from his time at Community Housing Opportunities Corp. that indicate efforts to stem financial trouble at a planned Coachella Valley low-income housing development.

From Los Angeles Times