open letter

noun

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

open letter

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• open-letter adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of open letter¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

However, an open letter signed by more than 140 academics, campaigners and other experts cautioned that a ban would be "too blunt an instrument".

Read more on Barron's

In an open letter, the group talked of a "full welcome" and "deep appreciation" for the Pope's "honourable presence".

Read more on BBC

Last week, the star wrote an open letter to ticketing companies calling the practice "disgusting" and "vile", and urged the company to "do better".

Read more on BBC

The Dutch chip maker said in an open letter on Thursday that it hasn’t received any meaningful response from its Chinese unit despite multiple attempts to re-establish dialogue.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Sir Keir Starmer has said it is "not easy" for young men "growing up in this day and age", in an open letter to his son to marking International Men's Day.

Read more on BBC