shorthand

noun

short·hand ˈshȯrt-ˌhand

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

: 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 battle of the Johns sounds like a Game of Thrones episode but the phrase has long been Capitol Hill shorthand for Senate Republicans’ looming fight to replace Mitch McConnell as their leader. —

Joseph Morton, Dallas News, 11 Sep. 2023 Parental rights — a term used as shorthand largely by conservative groups that oppose how some public schools approach race, sexuality, and gender identity — is the latest culture war being waged in New Hampshire and across the country. —

Emma Platoff, BostonGlobe.com, 10 Sep. 2023 Likewise, praise is due to costume designer Anthony Unwin, whose good-looking period work provides a visual shorthand to who is British, Jewish or Arab. —

Alissa Simon, Variety, 17 Sep. 2023 Read full article In my own life, Smash Mouth is shorthand for childlike joy. —

Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 4 Sep. 2023 Depending on the context of the story, the director’s intention, the work’s perspective or the execution of the shot, a nude scene may serve as shorthand for a character’s newfound physical or spiritual freedom, or even an emotional or psychological breakthrough. —

Maya Phillips, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2023 As iconic shorthand for unchecked ego, Napoleon is an effective symbol. —

David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Sep. 2023 Why choose a vague word as the smug shorthand for something morally objectionable? —

Elvia Limón, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2023 Drones have far less firepower than fighter jets, however, which is why Kyiv has requested F-16s and other big-ticket items such as ATACMS (shorthand for Army Tactical Missile System) long-range missile systems. —

Kostiantyn Khudov, Washington Post, 26 July 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shorthand.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.