DEAD LETTER

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does dead letter mean? 

• DEAD LETTER (noun)
  The noun DEAD LETTER has 2 senses:

1. the state of something that has outlived its relevance

2. mail that can neither be delivered nor returned

  Familiarity information: DEAD LETTER used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• DEAD LETTER (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

The state of something that has outlived its relevance

Classified under:

Nouns denoting stable states of affairs

Synonyms:

dead letter; non-issue

Hypernyms ("dead letter" is a kind of...):

state (the way something is with respect to its main attributes)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Mail that can neither be delivered nor returned

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Synonyms:

dead letter; dead mail

Hypernyms ("dead letter" is a kind of...):

letter; missive (a written message addressed to a person or organization)