shorthand

noun

short·​hand ˈshȯrt-ˌhand 

1

: a method of writing rapidly by substituting characters, abbreviations, or symbols for letters, sounds, words, or phrases : stenography

2

: something likened to shorthand especially in providing rapid or abbreviated communication or representation

Stereotype and cliché serve a purpose as a form of shorthand.

—Stephanie Ericsson

headline shorthand

shorthand adjective

Examples of shorthand in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Spice levels are negotiated with shorthand, on a scale from one to five. —Timothy Depeugh, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026

The music from the scene has become shorthand among viewers for signaling that something bad is about to happen. —Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 6 Apr. 2026

The 15% number Bastian refers to derives as a shorthand between those two percentages. —Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2026

From the rise of trap music to Atlanta's dominance in film, entertainment, and television production, the 404 has become shorthand for innovation, creativity, and Black cultural expression. —Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1636, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing shorthand

• in shorthand
• shorthand reporter
• shorthand typist
• take shorthand

Rhymes for shorthand

• armband
• backhand
• bandstand
• baseband
• broadband
• command
• cropland
• demand
• disband
• dreamland
• expand
• farmhand

Kids Definition

shorthand

noun

short·​hand ˈshȯrt-ˌhand 

1

: a method of rapid writing by using symbols for sounds, words, or phrases

2

: a short or quick way of showing or saying something

shorthand adjective