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

Zelensky sent an open letter calling for a direct negotiations, writing that it would be "wrong to simply wait" for the conflict to once again become the focus of US attention.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 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

"We are pleased to confirm he has expressed his continued commitment to the club – as we have to him," wrote the club in an open letter to supporters.

From BBC • May 27, 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