open letter

American  

noun

1. a letter, often of protest or criticism, addressed to a specific person, but intended to be brought to public attention.

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open letter British  

noun

1. a letter, esp one of protest, addressed to a person but also made public, as through the press

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• open-letter
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of open letter

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

He wrote in an open letter that it would be "wrong to simply wait" for the conflict to once again come to the attention of the US.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

In an emotional open letter published in the Liverpool Echo, external, Slot said fans made him feel welcome from the start and helped him on his path.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

Serge Letchimy, an official from Martinique, in an open letter to Macron earlier this month also demanded reparations.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

In an open letter dated Tuesday, Jonathan Andic said he was moving aside from his role as a vice president of the Spanish fashion chain in the interest of the company and himself.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

The week after Dan Lawrence’s story had been heard in Newton, Ross Milton printed an open letter in his paper.

From "Across Five Aprils" by Irene Hunt