shortcut

1 of 2

noun

short·​cut ˈshȯrt-ˌkət How to pronounce shortcut (audio)
 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

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Noun
Grow faster with less effort Personal branding is a shortcut to growth. Jodie Cook, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 This cozy recipe is quick and easy to make, thanks to a sneaky shortcut. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 4 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 See all Example Sentences for shortcut 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1637, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1915, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of shortcut was in 1637

Dictionary Entries Near shortcut

Cite this Entry

“Shortcut.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortcut. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

shortcut

1 of 2 noun
short·​cut ˈshȯrt-ˌkət How to pronounce shortcut (audio)
-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

More from Merriam-Webster on shortcut

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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