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

While entirely arbitrary, centuries are football’s convenient shorthand for recognising quality, consistency and lasting impact. —Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025

From the first response, their familiarity was effortless—seasoned with laughter, mutual admiration, and the kind of shorthand that only years of camaraderie can create. —Essence, 2 Apr. 2025

There’s a certain amount of street smarts every city dweller must acquire, but the shorthand is: Don’t put yourself in dangerous situations. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025

The franchise refresh picks up, well, 28 years after the terrifying Rage virus broke out across the globe (pandemics now being shorthand for worldwide audiences). —Matt Donnelly, Variety, 1 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1636, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing shorthand

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

Rhymes for shorthand

• armband
• backhand
• bandstand
• baseband
• broadband
• command
• cropland
• demand
• disband
• dreamland
• expand
• farmhand

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