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

As promised, he got the invoice by email the next day but didn’t see a link to pay.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

An email sent to the app’s developers returned an automatic response with a download link for Max.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

“IULs are an option for people seeking flexibility in their financial planning,” a representative from the American Council of Life Insurers told MarketWatch via email.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

"I was in tears, shock and absolutely appalled this happened," she wrote in the email, marked "serious complaint" and which Travelodge does not deny it received.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

I stay tuned through the weekend, but no matter how many times I check my email, there isn’t anything from Ron B. Tully.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy