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
Stephanie Ericssonheadline shorthand
shorthand
adjective
Examples of shorthand in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Readers deserve better than Moyn’s casual dismissal and ideological shorthand.
—David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
But Strong, after talking with the real Landau, decided that playing music was the pair’s true emotional shorthand; his character thus tries to get through to Springsteen by playing a Sam Cooke song.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2025
Over time, that phrase grew into a rallying cry, a shorthand for the unique environment in Sanford Stadium.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2025
As much as Lugosi’s impact hijacked Stoker and will always be the visual shorthand for Dracula, there has continued to be room for Anne Rice, Blade, and even Stephenie Meyer’s sparkling vampire Edward Cullen.
—Robert Eggers, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025
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David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
But Strong, after talking with the real Landau, decided that playing music was the pair’s true emotional shorthand; his character thus tries to get through to Springsteen by playing a Sam Cooke song.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2025
Over time, that phrase grew into a rallying cry, a shorthand for the unique environment in Sanford Stadium.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2025
As much as Lugosi’s impact hijacked Stoker and will always be the visual shorthand for Dracula, there has continued to be room for Anne Rice, Blade, and even Stephenie Meyer’s sparkling vampire Edward Cullen.
—Robert Eggers, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shorthand
Cite this Entry
“Shorthand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shorthand. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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