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

He continues: “I do get emails from people who say, ‘Adam, your films are not for children.’

From Los Angeles Times

“When my father, Carmine, died, I lost a classical composer I used to collaborate with since I began directing plays in college,” Coppola says via email.

From Los Angeles Times

She gave him her cellphone number and email.

From Los Angeles Times

Court filings show some jurors emailed Olmedo earlier this year saying they were “concerned” and believed Masterson’s lawyers weren’t supposed to know where they lived or worked.

From Los Angeles Times

After TSA notified residents in August of an impending 7% rent increase, nearly 40 tenants emailed letters protesting the rent spike and airing grievances, including malfunctioning fire alarms and elevator breakdowns.

From Los Angeles Times