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

Traders coined it as shorthand for panic. —Joel Hron, Fortune, 19 May 2026

But it is also used as shorthand to avoid a good look in the mirror. —Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026

Initiatives such as the Global Reporting Initiative and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board established common metrics for measuring environmental impact, social responsibility and quality of governance, known by the shorthand ESG. —Suvrat Dhanorkar, The Conversation, 18 May 2026

This is a close and loving family and its members speak to each other in shorthand. —Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 16 May 2026

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