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

“As part of our cooperation with the Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission, we produced texts and emails,” Ballmer said.

From Los Angeles Times

“Any cooling device will be ineffective if too expensive to operate because renters cannot afford the electricity,” he wrote in an email.

From Los Angeles Times

“As I said during our town hall, some of the most formative moments of my life happened in rooms where I was a fly on the wall, listening and learning,” Ellison wrote in his email.

From Los Angeles Times

The man reported the email contact to South Yorkshire Police, with Thompson, 29, subsequently recording the suspect did not want to pursue a complaint.

From BBC

It spoke to me as a writer, as a Southerner and as a Black person,” he said in an email.

From Los Angeles Times