pictograph

noun

pic·​to·​graph ˈpik-tə-ˌgraf 

1

: an ancient or prehistoric drawing or painting on a rock wall

2

: one of the symbols belonging to a pictorial graphic system

3

: a diagram representing statistical data by pictorial forms

pictographic

ˌpik-tə-ˈgra-fik 

adjective

Examples of pictograph in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But before this, some of the brightest Chinese minds of the 20th century had to figure out a way to harness the complex pictographs that make up written Chinese into a typewriter, and later, a computer. —Emily Feng, NPR, 5 July 2025

In fact, the younger Edmunds notes the long history of pictographs and symbols, like the Adinkra, which are used in fabric and pottery across West Africa. —Vanessa Romo, NPR, 19 June 2025

Rock shelters are adorned with ancient Native American pictographs. —Jack Schnedler, Arkansas Online, 19 May 2025

Also nearby is Castle Rocks State Park, another rock-climbing hotspot, where Native American pictographs and historic trails give visitors a sense of the area’s importance over time. —Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin pictus + English -o- + -graph

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pictograph

• autograph
• biograph
• cenotaph
• chronograph
• epigraph
• epitaph
• hodograph
• holograph
• hydrograph
• lithograph
• micrograph
• monograph

Kids Definition

pictograph

noun

pic·​to·​graph ˈpik-tə-ˌgraf 

1

: an ancient or prehistoric drawing or painting on a rock wall

2

: one of the symbols of a system of picture writing

3

: a diagram representing statistical information by pictures which can be varied in color, size, or number to indicate change

pictographic

ˌpik-tə-ˈgraf-ik 

adjective