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

Even today, the robot butler is shorthand for the elusive Good Timeline, emblem of a future in which the luxury of household staff is made accessible and ethical thanks to the wonders of technology. —James Vincent, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025

But at the same time, that push often collides with the reality of an industry that still moves fast, relies on shorthand, and sometimes treats representation as a checkbox rather than a shift in power. —Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2025

That’s the shorthand that gets you into that relationship quickly. —Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2025

Instead, the ambitious target is a shorthand for what needs to be done. —Sophie Yeo, The Dial, 4 Nov. 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