pictograph

noun

pic·​to·​graph ˈpik-tə-ˌgraf How to pronounce pictograph (audio)
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 adjective

Examples of pictograph in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Participants also can join field trips to Mine Wash and pictograph and petroglyph sites. Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024 The pictographs date back 10,000 years, and although many are on private property and off-limits to visitors, tours are available at the nearby Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 24 Sep. 2024 The pictograph is read from right to left at the beginning, then each subsequent line is read from the opposite direction of the previous. Carin Schoppmeyer, arkansasonline.com, 22 Sep. 2024 Lower Pecos River Region — Amistad National Recreation Area, Texas (Credit: Arabel Mortimer/Shutterstock) More than 300 pictograph sites have been documented in the caves, overhangs, and rocks in the Lower Pecos River Region. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pictograph 

Word History

Etymology

Latin pictus + English -o- + -graph

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pictograph was in 1851

Dictionary Entries Near pictograph

Cite this Entry

“Pictograph.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pictograph. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

pictograph

noun
pic·​to·​graph ˈpik-tə-ˌgraf How to pronounce pictograph (audio)
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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on pictograph

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!