literacy

noun

lit·​er·​a·​cy ˈli-t(ə-)rə-sē How to pronounce literacy (audio)
: the quality or state of being literate
a program to promote adult literacy

Examples of literacy in a Sentence

The program is intended to promote adult literacy among people who have had very little schooling. Their goal is to achieve basic literacy.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Come for circle time, songs, an art activity, and a literacy take-home project. Kevin Spencer, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 Given this dearth of knowledge, the two friends decided to team up and start a podcast, Earn Your Leisure, which teaches financial literacy specifically catered to Black audiences who have historically been shut out of financial systems. Andrew R. Chow, TIME, 6 Feb. 2025 The data shows a post-pandemic nose-dive in literacy scores and a widening achievement gap between the nation's highest and lowest learners in math and reading skills. Kayla Jimenez, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025 Immigrants and citizens alike of all ages should be required to pass a constitutional literacy test to maintain a distinct American culture to which all alternatives should be subservient. Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 30 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for literacy 

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of literacy was in 1880

Dictionary Entries Near literacy

Cite this Entry

“Literacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/literacy. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

literacy

noun
lit·​er·​a·​cy ˈlit-ə-rə-sē How to pronounce literacy (audio)
ˈli-trə-sē
: the quality or state of being literate
computer literacy
especially : ability to read and write

More from Merriam-Webster on literacy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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