let; letting; lets
1
: to cause to : make
let me know
2
a
: to give opportunity to or fail to prevent
live and let live
a break in the clouds let us see the summit
let the opportunity slip
b
—used in the imperative to introduce a request or proposal
let us pray
c
—used as an auxiliary to express a warning
let him try
3
: to free from or as if from confinement
let out a scream
let blood
4
: to permit to enter, pass, or leave
let them through
let them off with a warning
5
a
chiefly British
: to offer or grant for rent or lease
let rooms
b
: to assign especially after bids
let a contract
6
: to make an adjustment to
let out the waist
1
chiefly British
: to become rented or leased
2
: to become awarded to a contractor
1
: something that impedes : obstruction
… ruled his little world without hindrance or let.—B. F. Reilly
2
: a shot or point in racket games that does not count and must be replayed
1
: small one
booklet
2
: article worn on
wristlet
Cite this Entry
“Let.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/let. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.
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