What Is X in Morse Code?
The Morse code for X is -..-, a sequence of 2 dots and 2 dashes. In international Morse code (the ITU standard), each letter has a unique combination of dots (·) and dashes (−). X is symmetric: dash-dot-dot-dash.
When you hear or read “morse code x”, “morse code for x”, “x morse code”, or “letter x in morse code”, the answer is always the same 4-signal pattern: -..-.
NATO Phonetic Word for X
In the NATO phonetic alphabet, the letter X is spoken as X-ray. This pairing — Morse code -..- with the spoken word X-ray — is used by aviation, military, and amateur radio operators worldwide for unmistakable communication.
History of the Letter X in Morse Code
The letter X in Morse code is -..- — dash, dot, dot, dash. This four-signal pattern was assigned to X because of the letter's low frequency in English text — X appears in only about 0.15% of written words, making it one of the rarest letters in the language. Under the frequency-based design principle used by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail in the 1840s, rare letters received longer codes, placing X in the four-signal group alongside other infrequent letters.
The pattern -..– has a satisfying symmetry — it begins and ends with a dash, with two dots nested in the middle. This makes X visually and aurally unique among all Morse letters. No other letter in the standard alphabet begins and ends with the same signal type while having different signals in between, giving -..– a distinctive "bookended" quality that many operators find easy to recognise once they have heard it a few times.
The ITU standardised X's pattern at the 1865 conference. Despite X's rarity in everyday text, it has found an outsized role in amateur radio through the term "DX" — long-distance contacts — which is arguably the most exciting two-letter abbreviation in all of ham radio.
Real-World Uses of X in Morse Code
Though X is rare in English text, it plays an outsized role in amateur radio abbreviations and call signs. Here are the most common real-world contexts where -..- is transmitted:
- DX (long distance): "DX" (-.. -..-) is the most exciting term in amateur radio — it refers to long-distance contacts with rare or distant stations. Every "CQ DX" call transmits -..- as the second letter
- Call signs: Experimental and special-event stations often use X in their call signs — e.g. W1XYZ, K6XG — and many international prefixes include X
- TRX abbreviation: "TRX" (transceiver) is used in equipment discussions on CW — -..- appears at the end of every transceiver mention
- XYL: "XYL" (ex-young lady — meaning wife or partner) is one of the most affectionate terms in amateur radio, used in casual contacts to refer to an operator's spouse
- XCVR: "XCVR" (transceiver) is another common equipment abbreviation containing X at the start — -..- opens every mention
- Special event calls: Many commemorative and special event stations use X in their suffix — the unique pattern -..- makes these calls stand out on the air
The abbreviation DX (-.. -..-) deserves special attention. "Working DX" — making contact with a distant or rare station — is the primary motivation for millions of amateur radio operators worldwide. Every "CQ DX" call, every DXpedition announcement, and every DXCC discussion on CW includes -..- as the second letter of the two most exciting letters in the hobby. Despite X's rarity in everyday language, in amateur radio it is anything but rare.
Complete Morse Code Alphabet Chart (A–Z)
Morse letters use one to four signals. X (-..-) is a four-signal letter with a unique symmetrical pattern — dash, dot, dot, dash — that begins and ends with the same signal. See the full A–Z chart and where X fits:
| Letter | Morse Code | Letter | Morse Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | .- | N | -. |
| B | -... | O | --- |
| C | -.-. | P | .--. |
| D | -.. | Q | --.- |
| E | . | R | .-. |
| F | ..-. | S | ... |
| G | --. | T | - |
| H | .... | U | ..- |
| I | .. | V | ...- |
| J | .--- | W | .-- |
| K | -.- | X | -..- |
| L | .-.. | Y | -.-- |
| M | -- | Z | --.. |
X (-..-) is unique for its symmetry — dash-dot-dot-dash. No other standard Morse letter shares this palindrome-like structure. Once you recognise that -..- starts and ends with a dash, with two dots in the middle, it becomes one of the more distinctive and memorable patterns in the entire alphabet.
Practice Words Containing the Letter X
Drill -..- using the most common X-containing terms in amateur radio. DX is by far the most important — make it your primary anchor for this letter:
| Word / Phrase | Morse Code |
|---|---|
| X | -..- |
| DX (long distance) | -.. -..- |
| CQ DX | -.-. --.- -.. -..- |
| XYL (wife/partner) | -..- -.-- .-.. |
| XCVR (transceiver) | -..- -.-. ...- .-. |
| W1XYZ (call sign) | .-- .---- -..- -.-- ---.. |
| DX ES 73 | -.. -..- . ... --... ...-- |
Practise CQ DX (-.-. --.- -.. -..-) as a single flowing phrase. It is the most exciting call in amateur radio and it ends with -..- every single time. After drilling CQ DX twenty times, the symmetrical dash-dot-dot-dash pattern of X will feel completely natural.
Tips for Memorising the Letter X in Morse Code
Dash-dot-dot-dash — X is the only symmetrical letter in the Morse alphabet. Here are four techniques to make -..- permanent:
- The palindrome hook: X in Morse code is a palindrome — -..- reads the same forwards and backwards. Think "X marks the spot" and picture the two diagonal lines of the letter X mirrored in the Morse pattern: dash inward, dots at the centre, dash outward. This visual association with the shape of the letter itself is unusually direct for Morse code.
- Sound word association: Chant "daaah-dit-dit-daaah" — one long, two short, one long. The bookended dash pattern is immediately distinctive. Once you hear that long-short-short-long rhythm, you will not confuse it with any other letter.
- Anchor to DX: DX (-.. -..-) is the most exciting two-letter sequence in amateur radio. Every time you hear or send CQ DX, you are reinforcing -..- as the second character. After even a modest amount of DX operating, X will be automatic.
- Contrast with N: N (-.) is the simplest dash-dot pattern; X (-..-) extends it with two extra signals. If you already know N, think of X as N with an extra dot and a closing dash added. The extension is small but the sound is very different once you internalise the full four-signal length.
Practice: What Is the Morse Code for X?
Select the correct Morse code for X:
How to Tap Letter X in Morse Code
To transmit Letter X (-..-), use this sequence:
ITU Timing Rules
- Dot (·) = 1 unit
- Dash (−) = 3 units (3× longer)
- Signal gap = 1 unit
- Letter gap = 3 units
- Word gap = 7 units
Timing Reference Table
| Speed | Dot | Dash | Letter gap | Word gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 wpm | 240ms | 720ms | 720ms | 1680ms |
| 10 wpm | 120ms | 360ms | 360ms | 840ms |
| 17 wpm (this page) | 70ms | 210ms | 210ms | 490ms |
| 20 wpm | 60ms | 180ms | 180ms | 420ms |
How to Remember Letter X in Morse Code
X for "X-marks-the-X" — DAH-di-di-DAH.
NATO phonetic word: X-ray — pair the spoken word with the rhythm to remember faster.
Frequently Asked Questions — Letter X in Morse Code
X in Morse code is -..-. The letter X uses 2 dots and 2 dashes, the standard ITU pattern.
The Morse code for X is -..-. Tap the 4 signals in sequence with a one-unit gap between each.
To send letter X: long press, then short press, then short press, then long press. The NATO phonetic name for X is X-ray.
-..- means the letter X in international Morse code (the ITU standard used worldwide for amateur radio and communication).
The NATO phonetic alphabet word for X is X-ray. It pairs with the Morse code -..- for clear voice and signal communication.
Related Morse Code Letters
Other letters often learned alongside X: