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

In this light, reconnection silence becomes a kind of relational shorthand. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

The quiet rewriting of a border narrative The unit’s nickname emerged informally among locals as shorthand for their mission: finding and detaining foreign fugitives who believe crossing into Mexico puts them beyond the reach of justice. —Time, 9 July 2025

The catchall phrase is shorthand for the unfiltered actions of a person who is angry, anxious, confused, stressed out, or experiencing mental health issues. —Kyndall Cunningham, Vox, 29 June 2025

The term has become shorthand for the kind of fizzy, unputdownable books that lend themselves to lounging all day with a drink bearing a tiny umbrella by your side. —Lizz Schumer, People.com, 3 July 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