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

Over time, efficiency becomes shorthand for smoothness. —Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

The backstory The Victorian splendor of the Columns Hotel (built in the 1830s) has long been shorthand for a certain type of uptown sophistication in New Orleans. —Paul Oswell, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026

In his Fortune op-ed, Ready used our name as shorthand for an era when technology outpaced ethics—when access was prioritized over compensation, and creators got left behind. —John Acunto, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026

All of us have a very quick shorthand, and that’s really helped the process move along. —Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 21 Jan. 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