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

In an email to The Times this week, Bass’ office said that the building’s installation is expected to begin in November and that it should open by the end of January.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It was a point further underscored in emails between Apple executives that were made public as part of the Google litigation.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

James cascaded his directives down the chain of command through emails and intermediaries.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“This album explores themes of performance which I think is prevalent in the music videos and musically, in rock ’n’ roll which we also explore,” frontwoman Rowsell shares by email.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In the email to Powell - the current UK government's national security adviser - Lord Mandelson refers to Epstein as "safe".

Read more on BBC