email

American  

[ee-meyl] / ˈiˌmeɪl /

Or e-mail

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.

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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.

Etymology

Origin of email

First recorded in 1975–80; e(lectronic) + mail ¹

Example Sentences

Business Insider reported earlier on the Oracle cuts, citing an email the company sent to employees early Tuesday.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

In an email to the Journal, Quinn said his company wasn’t acquiring Piece by Piece or any of its assets, such as its patient list.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Uber said in an email to MarketWatch that its up-front fares are based on time, distance and demand conditions, and that its algorithms do not use individual driver characteristics or past behavior to determine pay.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

"The email sent by the survivor in January 2023 was handled on my behalf and I am clear this should never have happened."

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Who cared if class started a few minutes late, if it meant that he could read his email?

From "A Boy Called Bat" by Elana K. Arnold