Initials
ɪˈnɪʃəlz
Definitions
2 meaningsThe first letter or letters of a name or phrase, used as a form of identification or abbreviation.
ɪˈnɪʃəlz
The first letter(s) of a name or a series of words.
She monogrammed the towel with her initials.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're signing a card. Instead of writing your whole name, you might just write the first letters, like J.S. for John Smith. Those are initials!
👶 For kids: The first letters of a person's name, like if your name is Alex Smith, your initials are A.S.
More Examples
The document required my initials at the bottom of each page.
The company's logo incorporated the initials of its founders.
He couldn't remember the password and had to use his initials.
How It's Used
"The artist signed the painting with his initials."
"Please include your initials on all pages of the document."
To mark or sign something with one's initials.
ɪˈnɪʃəlz
To mark or sign with initials.
The manager initialed the expense report.
💡 Simply: If you are reading a contract, and you approve it, you will 'initial' it. That means you write your first and middle initial in the bottom of the pages to say that you read and agree with the text.
👶 For kids: To write the first letters of your name on something to show it's yours.
More Examples
She had to initial every document to verify she reviewed it.
He initialed the changes to the manuscript.
The notary asked her to initial the last page.
How It's Used
"The lawyer initialed each page of the contract to confirm its validity."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
Initial public offering
The first sale of stock by a private company to the public.
"The company announced its initial public offering."
From Latin *initium* ('beginning'), via French, referring to the first letters of a name or set of words.
The term has been used since the 17th century, initially referring to the first letters of a title or inscription.
Memory tip
Think of the first letters of your name – those are your initials!
Word Origin
"beginning"