hieroglyph

noun

hi·​ero·​glyph ˈhī-(ə-)rə-ˌglif How to pronounce hieroglyph (audio)
1
: a character used in a system of hieroglyphic writing
2
: something that resembles a hieroglyph

Examples of hieroglyph in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Eventually, Proto-Sinaitic script, which transformed some hieroglyphs into alphabetic letters, emerged in the Sinai Peninsula around 1900 B.C.E. Scholars have long thought that this was when the alphabet was invented, as Schwartz says in a statement. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Nov. 2024 The entrance was decorated with reliefs and hieroglyphs depicting Repyt; a door frame on the opposite side depicts the fertility god Min alongside two rarely shown decans, or stars that measure the passage of time at night, as well as a falcon and ibis heads. Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 27 Nov. 2024 One comic artist tells a story through shadows behind the curtains of a window; another, with hieroglyphs the reader must decipher with the help of a legend. Tim Brinkhof, JSTOR Daily, 9 Oct. 2024 One of the most intriguing discoveries was a bronze sword engraved with the cartouche of Ramses, or hieroglyphs arranged in an oval representing his name. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hieroglyph 

Word History

Etymology

French hiéroglyphe, from Middle French, back-formation from hieroglyphique

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hieroglyph was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near hieroglyph

Cite this Entry

“Hieroglyph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hieroglyph. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

hieroglyph

noun
hi·​ero·​glyph ˈhī-(ə-)rə-ˌglif How to pronounce hieroglyph (audio)
: a character used in hieroglyphic writing

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