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 Vietnam experience can almost be summarized by its iconic photographs, images everyone knows; the war in visual shorthand. —Louis Menand, New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2025

Back to Starbucks is shorthand for returning the business to its community coffee house beginnings, with more inviting stores and a less complex menu. —Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 26 Sep. 2025

In Chile and Beirut, demonstrators wore Joker masks as a visual shorthand for anger at corruption and inequality. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2025

The fab, industry shorthand for semiconductor fabrication plant, is expected to begin producing chips in the second half of 2027. —Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 24 Sep. 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