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

Open relationships, medical inequality, and electoral socialism aren’t engaged as jokes or mere biographical shorthand here. —Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025

The term was shorthand for spending too much time online and letting your brain turn to mush. —Annabelle Canela, Parents, 5 Sep. 2025

The company has been building a $15 billion fab (which is industry shorthand for semiconductor-fabrication factory) and announced plans in June for a second plant. —Darin Oswald, Idaho Statesman, 2 Sep. 2025

Critics saw it not as a sign of his concern but as a demonstration of his distance, and Katrina became a kind of political shorthand. —Susan Page, USA Today, 29 Aug. 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