Main Entry:

re·bus

Pronunciation:

\ˈrē-bəs\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Latin, by things, abl. plural of res thing — more at real

Date:

1605

: a representation of words or syllables by pictures of objects or by symbols whose names resemble the intended words or syllables in sound ; also : a riddle made up of such pictures or symbols

[rebus illustration]