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 term has become shorthand for the kind of fizzy, unputdownable books that lend themselves to lounging all day with a drink bearing a tiny umbrella by your side. —Lizz Schumer, People.com, 3 July 2025

For many in Austin, this phrase has become shorthand for the forces bringing higher prices and displacement of established culture. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

In the Hollywood blockbuster, The Devil Wears Prada, Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly—allegedly modeled on Wintour—became a cinematic shorthand for power, polish and control. —Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

Much like the likes of Ocasio-Cortez, Nancy Pelosi, and Hillary Clinton, Mamdani is about to become shorthand on Fox News and the MAGAverse for rightwing attacks. —Philip Elliott, Time, 25 June 2025

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