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
The early work represents an art-historical intervention, for which the term Conceptualism was, and remains, convenient shorthand: a suspension of the familiar identity of an artwork.
—Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 May 2025
Through almost forensic close-ups, viewers are shown the brands and goods that have become shorthand for success: a Patek Philippe Nautilus watch, a Hermès Birkin bag, a cellar of rare wines, a collection of blue-chip art.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
After being partnered for years, the pair have a great shorthand and deep respect for each other.
—Vlada Gelman, TVLine, 28 Apr. 2025
That is very close to the common shorthand definition of a bear market (a decline of 20% or more).
—Bob Pisani, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shorthand
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 May 2025
Through almost forensic close-ups, viewers are shown the brands and goods that have become shorthand for success: a Patek Philippe Nautilus watch, a Hermès Birkin bag, a cellar of rare wines, a collection of blue-chip art.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
After being partnered for years, the pair have a great shorthand and deep respect for each other.
—Vlada Gelman, TVLine, 28 Apr. 2025
That is very close to the common shorthand definition of a bear market (a decline of 20% or more).
—Bob Pisani, CNBC, 24 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 13 May. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share