Dictionary
dead letter
noun
: a letter that cannot be delivered or returned by the post office because of an incorrect address or other problem
: a law or agreement that has lost its force or authority
Full Definition of DEAD LETTER
1
: something that has lost its force or authority without being formally abolished
2
: a letter that is undeliverable and unreturnable by the post office
See dead letter defined for English-language learners
See dead letter defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of DEAD LETTER
1627
Rhymes with DEAD LETTER
abettor, air letter, bed wetter, begetter, black letter, block letter, bonesetter, chain letter, day letter, enfetter, fan letter, forgetter, four-letter, gillnetter, go-getter, jet-setter, Ledbetter, newsletter, night letter, pacesetter, pinsetter, red-letter, regretter, trendsetter, typesetter, unfetter, upsetter, vignetter
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: dead liftPrevious Word in the Dictionary: dead–leaf butterflyAll Words Near: dead letter
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up dead letter? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).