u
1 of 5noun
ˈyü 
plural u's or us ˈyüz
often capitalized, often attributive
1
a
: the 21st letter of the English alphabet
b
: a graphic representation of this letter
c
: a speech counterpart of orthographic u
2
: a graphic device for reproducing the letter u
3
: one designated u especially as the 21st in order or class
4
[abbreviation for unsatisfactory]
a
: a grade rating a student's work as unsatisfactory
b
: one graded or rated with a U
5
: something shaped like the letter U
u
2 of 5abbreviation (1)
1
unit
2
unsymmetrical
3
physics up (see up entry 4 sense 5)
4
upper
U
3 of 5adjective
ˈyü
: characteristic of the upper classes
U
4 of 5abbreviation (2)
1
unsatisfactory
2
uracil
U
5 of 5symbol
uranium
Example Sentences
Noun There are three u's in “unusual.” a word that starts with u
Word History
Etymology
Adjective
upper class
First Known Use
Noun
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Adjective
1954, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing u
Kids Definition
u
noun
ˈyü
plural u's or us
ˈyüz
often capitalized
1
: the 21st letter of the English alphabet
2
: a grade rating a student's work as unsatisfactory
Medical Definition
U 1 of 2
abbreviation
uracil
U
2 of 2symbol
uranium