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

headline shorthand

shorthand adjective

Examples of shorthand in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The developed online shorthand was practical (rotfl, brb, ttyl), but also deeply reflective of their relationship with the early internet: a space that was fun, experimental, and still relatively unpolished. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024

On the Los Angeles Times’ culture desk back in the 2010s, reporters would have a shorthand for readers’ hypersensitivity to spoilers. —Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Dec. 2024

So maybe that’s a good shorthand for Sheridan and comedy. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2024

There’s not even a shorthand for the franchise’s most famous moment of Erik giving away his immunity. —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1636, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing shorthand

• in shorthand
• shorthand reporter
• shorthand typist
• take shorthand

Kids 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