glyph

noun

ˈglif 

1

: an ornamental vertical groove especially in a Doric frieze

2

: a symbolic figure or a character (as in the Mayan system of writing) usually incised or carved in relief

3

: a symbol (such as a curved arrow on a road sign) that conveys information nonverbally

glyphic

ˈgli-fik 

adjective

Synonyms

• character
• icon
• ikon
• sign
• symbol

Examples of glyph in a Sentence

a rock inscribed with mysterious glyphs that some have speculated as being of Norse origin

Recent Examples on the Web

These abstract compositions at times appear to coalesce into visual language systems—in Dream, 2024, for example, repeating geometric motifs suggest the formation of glyphs—thereby establishing an intimate dialogue between mother and daughter that transcends delineations of space and time. —Jessica Simmons-Reid, Artforum, 1 June 2025

A number of yellow glyphs remained brightly illuminated on the digital main display—including traction control. —ArsTechnica, 1 May 2025

Among the new glyphs, about 80% depicted humanoid figures, decapitated heads, and domesticated animals, particularly llamas (see image showing original photo and AI-identified humanoid glyph). —Byrodrigo Pérez Ortega, science.org, 23 Sep. 2024

Curiously, the glyph does not shine with AlienFX lighting—only the Alienware logo does. —PCMAG, 9 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Greek glyphē carved work, from glyphein to carve — more at cleave

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for glyph

• biff
• cliff
• diff
• griff
• if
• riff
• schiff
• skiff
• sniff
• stiff
• tiff
• whiff