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

Reports of pictographs — American Indian picture writing — had attracted us to Missinaibi’s shores. —Jim Hoagland, Outdoor Life, 30 Apr. 2026

Each group has left its mark, from ancient cave dwellings to petroglyphs and pictographs etched into the canyon walls. —Debbie Olsen, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026

Visitors should allow plenty of daylight hours to find and view the artwork, including some petroglyphs and pictographs that can only be viewed after a short walk. —Gary Stoller, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2026

Arabic is the outcome of centuries of trade, innovation and communication, never letting go of the beauty of symbols, pictographs and glyphs. —Doris Bittar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026

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