shortcut

1 of 2

noun

short·​cut ˈshȯrt-ˌkət 

 also  -ˈkət

1

: a route more direct than the one ordinarily taken

2

: a method or means of doing something more directly and quickly than and often not so thoroughly as by ordinary procedure

a shortcut to success

3

: a key or combination of keys on a computer keyboard programmed to perform a specific function when pressed

You can open any item by clicking it or by assigning it a keyboard shortcut.

—Christopher Breen

called also hot key

shortcut

2 of 2

verb

shortcut; shortcutting

transitive verb

: to shorten (a route, a procedure, etc.) by use of a shortcut

also : circumvent

intransitive verb

: to take or use a shortcut

Synonyms

Verb

• circumvent
• bypass
• avoid
• evade

Examples of shortcut in a Sentence

Noun

Wait, I know a shortcut. Turn left here.

We took a shortcut home.

Let's take the shortcut through the woods.

I used a shortcut to calculate the total weight.

There are no shortcuts to learning another language.

Mistakes were made because too many shortcuts were taken.

Verb

are you sure there's no way to shortcut the entrance requirements?

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Despite the fridge’s undeniable importance in keeping our food fresh, beverages perfectly chilled, and kitchens fully functional, many of us cut corners and take shortcuts when cleaning this appliance. —Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 30 June 2025

Having a buddy is a shortcut to gaining this vital knowledge. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

Verb

Your team should never skip or shortcut this process, as doing so can result in serious financial and safety implications down the road. 5. —Daniel Gizzi, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

In short, young, ambitious professionals might be willing to take the pay cut (and decreased job security) for the opportunity to shortcut their career growth. —Abdo Riani, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1637, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1915, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for shortcut

• abut
• catgut
• chesnut
• chestnut
• donut
• doughnut
• groundnut
• haircut
• hindgut
• midgut
• precut
• rebut

Kids Definition

shortcut

1 of 2 noun

short·​cut ˈshȯrt-ˌkət 

-ˈkət

: a shorter, quicker, or easier way

a shortcut through the woods

a shortcut to fame

shortcut

2 of 2 verb

shortcut; shortcutting

: to take or use a shortcut