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Synonyms

lettering

American  
[let-er-ing] / ˈlɛt ər ɪŋ /

noun

  1. the act or process of inscribing with or making letters.

  2. the letters in an inscription; calligraphy.

lettering British  
/ ˈlɛtərɪŋ /

noun

  1. the act, art, or technique of inscribing letters on to something

  2. the letters so inscribed

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of lettering

First recorded in 1635–45; letter 1 + -ing 1

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 white cap with gold lettering is a bit of Trump merch, currently on sale for $55.

From Salon • Mar. 15, 2026

He completes the look with chestnut-brown Birkenstocks and a blue cap that says plants with Dodgers lettering.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

The ingots date back almost 2,000 years to AD87, based on lettering written on the objects, which refers to the Emperor Domitian, who was known for his empire building, including expansion in Britain.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

Jess Miller is a Los Angeles-born and -raised illustrator, designer and content creator celebrated for her vibrant hand lettering, whimsical characters and bold surface pattern designs.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 3, 2025

Middlefield, in blue lettering, is written downward on the outside of the pants.

From "Black Brother, Black Brother" by Jewell Parker Rhodes

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.