rebus

noun

re·​bus ˈrē-bəs 

: 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

Illustration of rebus

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Rebus and a Lack of Words

A rebus communicates its message by means of pictures or symbols whose names sound like various parts of a word, phrase, or sentence. For example, a picture of a can of tomatoes followed by the letters UC and a picture of a well means "Can you see well?" In Latin, the word rebus means "by things"; rebus is a form of the Latin word res, which means "thing." English speakers started using the word rebus for picture writing in the early 1600s.

Examples of rebus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a rebus crossword, certain squares contain more than one letter. — Sean McGowan, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2026

The effect of Gastrotypographicalassemblage is like that of a Surrealist rebus, mixing the likenesses of things with their words. — Alec Mapes-Frances, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026

The drapery or scrollwork around a shield is called a lambrequin, a five-petaled flower is called a cinquefoil, and an emblem or animal that puns on the bearer’s name is called a rebus. — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rebus

• phoebus

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Kids Definition

rebus

noun

re·​bus ˈrē-bəs 

: a riddle or puzzle made up of letters, pictures, and symbols whose names sound like the syllables and words of a phrase or sentence

Etymology

from Latin rebus "by things," from res "thing, matter" — related to real, republic