1. relating to or conducted by means of letters or written correspondence
Usage: commonly used in literary contexts
2. (of a literary work) written in the form of a series of letters
Usage: literary term

Examples

• The novel uses an epistolary format, telling the story entirely through letters between characters.
• Their epistolary relationship spanned decades, with hundreds of letters exchanged between the two friends.
• The epistolary tradition in literature dates back centuries, with famous examples like 'Pamela' by Samuel Richardson.
• She preferred epistolary communication with her distant relatives, writing detailed letters each month.
• The author chose an epistolary style to give readers direct access to the characters' thoughts and feelings.
• His epistolary novel consists of letters, diary entries, and postcards from various characters.