pictography

noun

pic·​tog·​ra·​phy pik-ˈtä-grə-fē How to pronounce pictography (audio)

Examples of pictography in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Some might fear that our dependence on emojis signals a backward step in civilization, a reversion to pictography and the limits of literal representation. Ligaya Mishan Melody Melamed, New York Times, 23 Nov. 2022 Ken Falk is a graphic designer, the kind of dad who, upon seeing a magazine ad, might provide an impromptu discourse on pictography. Chris Ballard, SI.com, 8 Mar. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pictography.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pictography was in 1851

Dictionary Entries Near pictography

Cite this Entry

“Pictography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pictography. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on pictography

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