-
delta
deltanounthe fourth letter of the Greek alphabet (Δ, δ).
-
Delta
Deltanounthe NATO name for a class of nuclear-powered submarines armed with multiple-warhead ballistic missiles, including those designed to strike military and industrial installations: first produced for the Soviet Navy in the 1970s; in service with the Russian Navy since 1992.
delta
1 Americannoun
-
the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet (Δ, δ).
-
the consonant sound represented by this letter.
-
the fourth in a series of items.
-
anything triangular, like the Greek capital delta (Δ).
-
Mathematics. an incremental change in a variable, as Δ or δ.
-
a nearly flat plain of alluvial deposit between diverging branches of the mouth of a river, often, though not necessarily, triangular.
the Nile delta.
-
Also Delta a word used in communications to represent the letter D.
-
Astronomy. Delta, a star that is usually the fourth brightest of a constellation.
The fourth brightest star in the Southern Cross is Delta Crucis.
noun
noun
noun
-
(foll by the genitive case of a specified constellation) usually the fourth brightest star in a constellation
-
any of a group of US launch vehicles used to put unmanned satellites into orbit
-
communications a code word for the letter d
noun
-
the fourth letter in the Greek alphabet (Δ, δ), a consonant transliterated as d
-
an object resembling a capital delta in shape
-
(capital when part of name) the flat alluvial area at the mouth of some rivers where the mainstream splits up into several distributaries
the Mississippi Delta
-
maths a finite increment in a variable
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of delta
First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English delta, deltha, from Latin delta, from Greek délta; akin to Hebrew dāleth
Explanation
Named for the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet (shaped like a triangle), a delta is a triangular area where a major river divides into several smaller parts that usually flow into a larger body of water. The first so-called delta was the Nile Delta, named by the Greek historian Herodotus. What makes a delta so special? Alluvial deposits are the rich mineral soil that can be found in the delta. Despite frequent floods, farmers often settle in a delta for this reason. Here's some more fun delta trivia: the deltoid muscles in your shoulders are named after the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet too.
Vocabulary lists containing delta
Flying High: Aviation Words
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Physical Geography - Introductory
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Ancient Egypt - Introductory
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The delta on the convertibles is estimated at around 70%, according to Bloomberg, meaning holders of the preferred will see a 70-cent increase for a $1 increase in the common stock.
From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026
The project was planned for two areas along the Adriatic coast -- the protected delta area of Vjosa-Narta and the nearby uninhabited island of Sazan, once secret communist military base.
From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026
Its broad delta lies between the Pathein River to the west and the Yangon River to the east.
From Science Daily • Apr. 21, 2026
To simplify, being delta neutral means option dealers will shift their holdings of the underlying asset as option prices move in order to maintain a hedged position.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 20, 2026
And Ethir Anduin he saw, the mighty delta of the River, and myriads of sea-birds whirling like a white dust in the sun, and beneath them a green and silver sea, rippling in endless lines.
From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien
![]()
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.