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

The Kims were focused on opportunities; here was one, even if its name was marred by 1950s racial shorthand. —Margaret Heidenry, Vanity Fair, 24 Feb. 2026

In an era of texting shorthand, most people can probably agree with that statement, featuring a now-familiar acronym and another that a songwriter made up. —Tom Roland, Billboard, 18 Feb. 2026

In this way, Jackson became an easy shorthand propagandists could use to terrify white people into voting Republican. —Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 17 Feb. 2026

Second, those of us shaping public narratives—insurers, brands, media outlets, influencers—should stop using stereotypes as motivational shorthand. —Stuart A. Spencer, Fortune, 15 Feb. 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