ABC

ABC · noun¹

1. Middle English · inherited fromabece
2. English todayABC

From Middle English abece, ABC, from the first three letters of the Latin alphabet, standing for the whole alphabet.

ABC · noun, proper noun, adjective, phrase²

Initialisms.

ABC · noun³

Like QWERTY, the name is based on the first letter keys.

First known use, by meaning

• First attested from around (1150 to 1350). The English alphabet.
• Attested from around (1350 to 1470) until the mid-17th century. A type of poem in which the lines start with the letters of the alphabet in order.
• Attested from around (1350 to 1470) until the mid-17th century. A primer for teaching the Latin alphabet and first elements of reading.
• First attested in the mid-16th century. The fundamentals of any subject.
• From 1983. Initialism of Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
• Founded in 1924. Initialism of Australian Broadcasting Company.
• Founded in 1932. Initialism of Australian Broadcasting Commission.