Glyph: meaning, definitions and examples

A glyph is used in typography or design to refer to an individual mark or character in a font or typeface. It often refers to decorative or specific graphical symbols.

• The font designer created a new glyph for the ampersand.
• The ancient text was carved with unusual glyphs.

Symbol is a broad term that refers to any mark, sign, or word that indicates, signifies, or represents an idea, object, or relationship. This term can encompass letters, numbers, and other kinds of marks.

• The heart symbol often represents love.
• Mathematics uses many symbols to express equations and formulas.

Character usually refers to any single letter, number, or symbol used in writing or printing. It is often used in computing to refer to any entered text symbol.

• Passwords must include at least one special character.
• The string 'hello' consists of five characters.

Letter refers specifically to the individual alphabetic elements used in writing. It is most commonly used when talking about components of the alphabet.

• The letter 'A' is the first letter of the alphabet.
• Please print your name in capital letters.