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email

/ˈiː.meɪl/
IELTSAcademic
noun

A message sent electronically through the internet. It can also mean the system or account used to send and receive these messages.

  • I got your email this morning.
  • Please check your email after lunch.
verb

To send a message by email. It is often used in business, study, and daily communication.

  • Email me the report tonight.
  • She emailed her teacher about the deadline.

Adinary Nuance

Email is the general word for digital messages and the system behind them. It is more direct and everyday than correspondence, which sounds formal and broad. It is also different from message, which can mean many kinds of written or spoken communication, not just email.

In other languages

Vietnamese
email
Spanish
correo electrónico
Chinese
电子邮件
Japanese
メール
Korean
이메일

Etymology

Email is short for electronic mail. The word became common in the late 20th century as internet communication grew.

Common phrases

send an emailreply to an emailemail addressemail inbox

Synonyms

Related words

Frequently asked questions

Is email formal or informal?
Email can be both. The word itself is neutral, but the tone depends on the message you write.
What is the difference between email and message?
Email is a message sent through email service. Message can mean SMS, chat, or a spoken note too.
Can I use email as a verb?
Yes. You can say, “I emailed him” or “Please email me.”
Is email one word or two words?
Today, **email** is usually one word in English.