shorthand

noun

short·​hand ˈshȯrt-ˌhand How to pronounce shorthand (audio)
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 shorthandStephanie Ericsson
headline shorthand
shorthand adjective

Examples of shorthand in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In later years, the poodle skirt became visual shorthand for the entire decade. Margalit Fox, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2024 The shorthand phrase is frequently used both in discussions about goings on in the NFL and the careers of attorneys who have come from its ranks. Chris Deubert, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 For a while, a triple-digit move for the Dow also used to be an easy shorthand way to show the stock market was having a big day. Alex Veiga, Quartz, 26 Feb. 2024 The Pale is shorthand for the Pale of Settlement, an area of Eastern Europe which was, from the late 18th to the early 20th centuries, the only place Jews could live legally in the Russian Empire (though this didn’t prevent frequent pogroms). Benjamin Dubow, Longreads, 20 Feb. 2024 In memes and short videos, codependency remains a shorthand for women’s fears of being too emotionally dependent on others, and of losing their independence and individuality as a result. Elissa Strauss, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2024 The quote has since become shorthand in certain corners for expressing shock. Jada Yuan, Washington Post, 23 Feb. 2024 To those rightfully unsettled by Keith’s thirst for blood, that song — and Toby Keith himself — became a symbol of all that’s wrong with Nashville, an easy shorthand for the most reactionary and regressive tendencies of country music. Nadine Smith, Rolling Stone, 6 Feb. 2024 Many economists use a shorthand to describe the conditions endured by Black workers: first fired, last hired. Max Zahn, ABC News, 3 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shorthand.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1636, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shorthand was in 1636

Dictionary Entries Near shorthand

Cite this Entry

“Shorthand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shorthand. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

shorthand

noun
short·​hand ˈshȯrt-ˌhand How to pronounce shorthand (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!