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Definition of delete

delete

/dɪˈliːt/
de · lete
Plural:deletes
•
Adjective:deletable
•
Past Simple:deleted
•
Past Participle:deleted
•
Present Participle:deleting
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delete Lexical Profile

delete Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To remove data, a file, or a record from a computer's memory or storage medium.

Example

"Make sure you back up your photos before you delete them from your phone."

2

To remove or obliterate written or printed matter, especially by drawing a line through it or erasing it.

Example

"The editor decided to delete several redundant sentences from the final manuscript."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A command, computer key, or editorial mark used to remove text, data, or files.

Example

"Simply press delete on your keyboard to clear the highlighted paragraph."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for delete
Antonyms
View all antonyms for delete

• Rhymes for delete

• Nearby Words

delegator
delegitimize
deletable
delete
deletion
delgermoron
delhi

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from Latin 'deletus', the past participle of 'delere', meaning to destroy, blot out, or efface.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Delete. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/delete
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