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
Stephanie Ericssonheadline shorthand
shorthand
adjective
Examples of shorthand in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That was the impetus to provide that sort of content, to be a shorthand of what this experience could be.
—Rob Wieland, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
In fact, that country’s name has become shorthand for a certain solipsistic dread in American popular culture.
—Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2025
Well before titles like Dark Souls or Elden Ring became gaming shorthand for hard-to-beat, the Ninja Gaiden series was the high watermark for relentlessly tough experiences that, frankly, most casual gamers likely couldn’t master.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2025
The slogan is shorthand for efforts to claw back cost-saving measures and regain the unusually generous benefits that contributed toward Illinois’ worst-in-the-nation pension underfunding.
—David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shorthand
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Rob Wieland, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
In fact, that country’s name has become shorthand for a certain solipsistic dread in American popular culture.
—Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2025
Well before titles like Dark Souls or Elden Ring became gaming shorthand for hard-to-beat, the Ninja Gaiden series was the high watermark for relentlessly tough experiences that, frankly, most casual gamers likely couldn’t master.
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 16 Apr. 2025
The slogan is shorthand for efforts to claw back cost-saving measures and regain the unusually generous benefits that contributed toward Illinois’ worst-in-the-nation pension underfunding.
—David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shorthand
Cite this Entry
“Shorthand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shorthand. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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