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

For the next month, messages from customers mistaking Ms Newman's business for a scam were "continuous" as they commented on social media, emailed and called her.

Read more on BBC

It wasn’t immediately clear why Forkish was suspected of revealing details about the news conference, which federal authorities announced to members of the media via email at 5 a.m.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In an email, she adds that “this has been orchestrated by a Muslim-Far Left alliance with now almost daily street demonstrations that feature chants to destroy Israel, kill Jews and ‘globalize the intifada.’

Read more on Wall Street Journal

James’ attorneys said that a mismarked form was a mistake, providing the Justice Department with emails to her loan provider in which she stated plainly that the home “would not be her primary residence.”

Read more on Salon

Maybe a washing machine that can make websites and read my emails represents “general intelligence.”

Read more on Wall Street Journal