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

• open-letter
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of open letter

First recorded in 1875–80

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

open letter

In an open letter to colleagues last week, Lockhart said forcing O'Neill from office was the "only one credible option" and any kind of "graduated response" would be "insulting to those who have trusted us".

From BBC ● Nov. 3, 2026

In an open letter, they said they had raised concerns two months ago that the Finals schedule conflicted with the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks games at State Farm Arena.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 1, 2026

Less than two months ago, 100 tech companies wrote an open letter warning the world to adopt a new level of cyber resilience in the age of AI.

From BBC ● Oct. 22, 2026

In an open letter to The Columbus Dispatch newspaper, the city's former mayor Michael Coleman called the ad "the most vile, disgusting and lowest point I have ever seen in 35 years of political engagement."

From Barron's ● Oct. 21, 2026

“A letter from your mother,” he said waving the open letter.

From "Bless Me, Ultima" by Rudolfo Anaya

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