pictograph

noun

pic·​to·​graph ˈpik-tə-ˌgraf How to pronounce pictograph (audio)
1
: an ancient or prehistoric drawing or painting on a rock wall
2
: one of the symbols belonging to a pictorial graphic system
3
: a diagram representing statistical data by pictorial forms
pictographic adjective

Examples of pictograph in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Another nearby point of interest for history buffs is Historic Blenheim and Civil War Interpretive Center, a Greek Revival-style house dating to 1859 that preserves signatures and pictographs from Federal soldiers who once lived there. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2025 The monument boundary includes sacred sites, ancient trails, historic properties, cultural areas, religious sites, petroglyphs, geoglyphs and pictographs, according to the White House. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 7 Jan. 2025 The rock art consists of a collection of petroglyphs and pictographs found inside a small cave next to the trail. Graham Averill, Outside Online, 27 Dec. 2024 Hang out at the famous black sand beach or meander the six miles of trails through ancient sites and pictographs. Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 15 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for pictograph

Word History

Etymology

Latin pictus + English -o- + -graph

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pictograph was in 1851

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Cite this Entry

“Pictograph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pictograph. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

pictograph

noun
pic·​to·​graph ˈpik-tə-ˌgraf How to pronounce pictograph (audio)
1
: an ancient or prehistoric drawing or painting on a rock wall
2
: one of the symbols of a system of picture writing
3
: a diagram representing statistical information by pictures which can be varied in color, size, or number to indicate change
pictographic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on pictograph

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