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

But too often that has become shorthand for a stodgy and unresponsive sector that fails to respond to customer demand. — Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 3 July 2026

The ballyhoo around the Games that have taken on the shorthand LA28 will mark the longest marketing campaign that NBC has executed for any single Games. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 3 July 2026

Because Balogun spoke in cultural shorthand that transcended soccer. — Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 2 July 2026

While the bus is stopped, Daniel takes his silly ass bowling alone, the ultimate loneliness shorthand. — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 29 June 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