red-letter

adjective

red-let·​ter ˈred-ˌle-tər How to pronounce red-letter (audio)
: of special significance

Word History

Etymology

from the practice of marking holy days in red letters in church calendars

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of red-letter was in 1704

Dictionary Entries Near red-letter

Cite this Entry

“Red-letter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red-letter. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

red-letter

adjective
red-let·​ter
ˌred-ˌlet-ər
: worth remembering especially in a happy or joyful way
a red-letter day
Etymology

from the practice of marking holy days in red letters in church calendars

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