letterman

American  

[let-er-man, -muhn] / ˈlɛt ərˌmæn, -mən /

noun

plural

lettermen

1. a person who has earned a letter in an interscholastic or intercollegiate activity, especially a sport.

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Etymology

Origin of letterman

First recorded in 1715–25; letter ¹ + man, -man

Example Sentences

Stacy, who had arranged a French-speaking pastor, also surprised Mpoyi with a letterman jacket, with his mom’s favorite picture and Bible verse custom-printed on the back.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026

In Santa Barbara, he was hawking some of Egypt’s records and apparel, including a letterman jacket that has the words “FREAK-A-HOLIC” running down the arm sleeve.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 11, 2025

Wayne Sutcliffe, his coach, didn’t hesitate to turn to his four-year varsity letterman and captain in a crucial spot.

From Washington Post • Apr. 8, 2023

The players arrived in yellow school buses wearing custom letterman jackets, some of which had the names of their children stitched on the sleeves, and carried footballs as they waved to fans.

From Washington Post • Feb. 18, 2023

My father’s letterman jacket is nowhere to be found—the mmoatia must’ve kept that for themselves before sinking into the ground.

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer