shorthand

noun

short·​hand ˈshȯrt-ˌhand 

1

: a method of writing rapidly by substituting characters, abbreviations, or symbols for letters, sounds, words, or phrases : stenography

2

: something likened to shorthand especially in providing rapid or abbreviated communication or representation

stereotype and cliché serve a purpose as a form of shorthand

—Stephanie Ericsson

headline shorthand

shorthand adjective

Examples of shorthand in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The impressive shorthand is marked by poignant direction and a pitch-perfect performance. —Brian Welk, IndieWire, 12 Mar. 2025

The team became a kind of lazy shorthand for tastefully unadventurous filmmaking, and unfairly so. —Keith Phipps, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025

The goal of 'Mars' is not just a race but can be thought of as a shorthand term for much bigger, indefinite objectives for America’s future. —Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 26 Feb. 2025

There’s a dishonesty to them, these religious symbols used as a cheap shorthand for a fervor more easily translated on the spot. —Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 5 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1636, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing shorthand

• in shorthand
• shorthand reporter
• shorthand typist
• take shorthand

Rhymes for shorthand

• armband
• backhand
• bandstand
• baseband
• broadband
• command
• cropland
• demand
• disband
• dreamland
• expand
• farmhand

Kids Definition

shorthand

noun

short·​hand ˈshȯrt-ˌhand 

1

: a method of rapid writing by using symbols for sounds, words, or phrases

2

: a short or quick way of showing or saying something

shorthand adjective