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

Once viewed primarily as a historical designation, the label has become an increasingly important shorthand for transparency and quality at a time when consumers are paying closer attention to how—and where—their whiskey is made. — Emily Price, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

The very title is real-world shorthand for technology's role in deciding who lives and who dies — and how the military should respond to any truly autonomous attacks. — ABC News, 26 July 2026

The prototypical service candidate is straitlaced and clean-shaven, someone who speaks about their service in bloodless shorthand, heavy on duty, light on pain. — Jasper Craven, New Yorker, 24 July 2026

For a decade, there was effectively one way to look something up online, and the company’s name became shorthand for the act itself. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 24 July 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