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

It can be integrated through better alcohol-free drinks, sober meet-ups, daytime programming, new partnerships and marketing that doesn’t automatically use alcohol as shorthand for having a good time. — Sunita Dhaliwal, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Calling it a rumor is a kind of shorthand because the gerbil thing is far more than simple gossip about, say, who is dating whom. — Allen Salkin, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026

The form has become shorthand for importance — a promise of depth via visuals even if the story no longer reaches for it. — Henry Metz, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026

Some experts even use a shorthand, p(doom), to estimate the probability of dire outcomes that could stem from AI. — Ashley Capoot,arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 9 Sep. 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