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
Stephanie Ericssonheadline shorthand
shorthand
adjective
Examples of shorthand in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
While entirely arbitrary, centuries are football’s convenient shorthand for recognising quality, consistency and lasting impact.
—Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
From the first response, their familiarity was effortless—seasoned with laughter, mutual admiration, and the kind of shorthand that only years of camaraderie can create.
—Essence, 2 Apr. 2025
There’s a certain amount of street smarts every city dweller must acquire, but the shorthand is: Don’t put yourself in dangerous situations.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025
The franchise refresh picks up, well, 28 years after the terrifying Rage virus broke out across the globe (pandemics now being shorthand for worldwide audiences).
—Matt Donnelly, Variety, 1 Apr. 2025
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Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
From the first response, their familiarity was effortless—seasoned with laughter, mutual admiration, and the kind of shorthand that only years of camaraderie can create.
—Essence, 2 Apr. 2025
There’s a certain amount of street smarts every city dweller must acquire, but the shorthand is: Don’t put yourself in dangerous situations.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025
The franchise refresh picks up, well, 28 years after the terrifying Rage virus broke out across the globe (pandemics now being shorthand for worldwide audiences).
—Matt Donnelly, Variety, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shorthand
Cite this Entry
“Shorthand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shorthand. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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