shortcut

1 of 2

noun

short·​cut ˈshȯrt-ˌkət 

 also  -ˈkət

1

: a route more direct than the one ordinarily taken

2

: a method or means of doing something more directly and quickly than and often not so thoroughly as by ordinary procedure

a shortcut to success

3

: a key or combination of keys on a computer keyboard programmed to perform a specific function when pressed

You can open any item by clicking it or by assigning it a keyboard shortcut.

—Christopher Breen

called also hot key

shortcut

2 of 2

verb

shortcut; shortcutting

transitive verb

: to shorten (a route, a procedure, etc.) by use of a shortcut

also : circumvent

intransitive verb

: to take or use a shortcut

Synonyms

Verb

• beat
• bypass
• circumvent
• dodge
• get around
• sidestep
• skirt

Examples of shortcut in a Sentence

Noun

Wait, I know a shortcut. Turn left here.

We took a shortcut home.

Let's take the shortcut through the woods.

I used a shortcut to calculate the total weight.

There are no shortcuts to learning another language.

Mistakes were made because too many shortcuts were taken.

Verb

are you sure there's no way to shortcut the entrance requirements?

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Visual effects are employed throughout, but unlike with so many films groaning under the weight of CG eyesores, digital technology is used less as a shortcut than as enhancer, or for specific purposes like dropping in talking animal characters and stitching together composite shots. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Nov. 2024

Keyboard shortcuts work well and are customizable, too. —PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024

Verb

Educators are afraid of learners using AI systems to cheat on work or exams, or otherwise shortcut their learning experience. —Ron Schmelzer, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024

Caramel candies: Caramel candies are melted down and help provide a foolproof shortcut to making caramel. —Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1637, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1915, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

shortcut

1 of 2 noun

short·​cut ˈshȯrt-ˌkət 

-ˈkət

: a shorter, quicker, or easier way

a shortcut through the woods

a shortcut to fame

shortcut

2 of 2 verb

shortcut; shortcutting

: to take or use a shortcut