cryptogram
noun
cryp·to·gram
ˈkrip-tə-ˌgram 
1
: a communication in cipher or code
2
: a figure or representation having a hidden significance
Examples of cryptogram in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Like them, Schulz wrote about frustrated messianic longing, his resentment and awe of his father, and the tormenting intuition that the world is a cryptogram that will never be solved.
—
Adam Kirsch, The New Republic, 6 Apr. 2023
Less and less, after forty years of living with the poem, am I tempted to regard it, or shun it, as a cryptogram.
—Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2022
At some point in the morning, a large wooden cryptogram is wheeled out onto the stage.
—Heather Platt, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2022
Each time a chip card is used, the card itself computes a secret value (known as a cryptogram) that is sent to the issuer of the card, who can use it to validate that the actual physical card was used in the transaction.
—Rui Ribeiro, Forbes, 8 Aug. 2022
Each letter also included one-third of a 408-symbol cryptogram that the suspect said would reveal his identity.
—Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 12 Dec. 2020
One of the most alarming pieces of evidence that Stewart uncovered was actually finding his dad’s name in one of the Zodiac Killer’s infamous cryptograms.
—Rachel Paige, refinery29.com, 6 Mar. 2020
He was dubbed the Zodiac Killer because some of his cryptograms included astrological symbols and references.
—The Sacramento Bee, BostonGlobe.com, 3 May 2018
Her mastery of the English language was apparent by her swift, accurate solutions to crossword, jumble and cryptogram puzzles.
—Hartford Courant, courant.com, 30 Apr. 2018
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Adam Kirsch, The New Republic, 6 Apr. 2023
Less and less, after forty years of living with the poem, am I tempted to regard it, or shun it, as a cryptogram.
—Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2022
At some point in the morning, a large wooden cryptogram is wheeled out onto the stage.
—Heather Platt, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2022
Each time a chip card is used, the card itself computes a secret value (known as a cryptogram) that is sent to the issuer of the card, who can use it to validate that the actual physical card was used in the transaction.
—Rui Ribeiro, Forbes, 8 Aug. 2022
Each letter also included one-third of a 408-symbol cryptogram that the suspect said would reveal his identity.
—Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 12 Dec. 2020
One of the most alarming pieces of evidence that Stewart uncovered was actually finding his dad’s name in one of the Zodiac Killer’s infamous cryptograms.
—Rachel Paige, refinery29.com, 6 Mar. 2020
He was dubbed the Zodiac Killer because some of his cryptograms included astrological symbols and references.
—The Sacramento Bee, BostonGlobe.com, 3 May 2018
Her mastery of the English language was apparent by her swift, accurate solutions to crossword, jumble and cryptogram puzzles.
—Hartford Courant, courant.com, 30 Apr. 2018
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cryptogram.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
crypto- + -gram, after cryptograph, cryptography
First Known Use
1827, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Articles Related to cryptogram
Dictionary Entries Near cryptogram
Cite this Entry
“Cryptogram.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cryptogram. Accessed 2 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
cryptogram
noun
cryp·to·gram
ˈkrip-tə-ˌgram
: something written in cipher or code
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