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

They’re defined by what happens after the initial release, when the crowd comes back and turns beloved moments into a kind of shorthand for community. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 31 Mar. 2026

But his eight years were overshadowed by the Appalachian Trail, which became shorthand for Sanford’s disappearance to go to Argentina to see his lover. —Meg Kinnard, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026

But his eight years were overshadowed by the Appalachian Trail, which became shorthand for Sanford's disappearance to go to Argentina to see his lover. —ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026

Launch directors often use jargon and shorthand that can sound like an unfamiliar language. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 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